Over 55 People Dead, Dozens Injured After Accident At Londiani Junction

KERICHO Kenya, June 30 -More than 55 people were killed and several others hospitalized following a tragic accident at Londiani, Kericho County junction on Friday June 30.

The 6.30pm accident occurred after a truck lost control, running over pedestrians, traders and matatus which were parked by the roadside.

 The Rift Valley regional police boss Tom Odera confirmed the accident but said the number could rise since some bodies were trapped under the truck.

The truck was heading to Kericho before when lost control and veered off the road, ramming into tens of hawkers who were busy along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.

Witnesses said the driver of the truck was trying to avoid hitting a bus that was parked on the road after developing a mechanical hitch before losing control.

Several passenger vehicles were also extensively damaged in the accident.

Odera said the more than 60 people were rushed to different hospitals in Londiani, Kericho and Nakuru where they are currently receiving treatment.

Rescue efforts were however slowed down by heavy rains.

Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen condoled with the families and said the rescue efforts will be followed by investigations to determine the cause of the crash.