At least 45 people died in a serious accident near the Kenyan city of Londiani. The salvage work continues, but is hampered by heavy rains.
A serious accident involving a truck has claimed the lives of at least 45 people in western Kenya. The truck rammed several other vehicles and market vendors, police said. The accident happened at a well-known accident black spot in the Kericho district near the city of Londiani, which is about 200 kilometers north-west of the capital Nairobi.
Police officers counted 45 fatalities at the scene of the accident. However, more people are believed to be lying in the wreckage and under debris, said regional police chief Tom Odero. The number of injured was not known. “It is now dark and raining so it will take us some time to confirm the final toll,” Odero said.
Often severe traffic accidents in Kenya
According to media reports, eyewitnesses said the truck went off the main road and hit several vehicles before running over pedestrians and dealers. Photos showed vehicle wrecks destroyed beyond recognition.
The Red Cross said rescue work had been suspended due to heavy rain. There are still people trapped in the wrecks.
Serious accidents are common on Kenyan roads. According to the national transport authority, 4,690 people died in traffic accidents in the East African country last year.