KISUMU, Kenya Feb 21 – Five people died late Wednesday in a road accident on the Kisumu-Homa Bay road.
Several others sustained injuries in the accident that involved a lorry and a passenger vehicle near Pap Onditi area.
According to Allan Mwangi, the Nyanza Regional Traffic Commandant, the accident, occurred at around 5 pm.
“Six passengers were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in critical condition, where they are currently admitted,” Mwangi said.
Police said the PSV was travelling towards Homa Bay, while the lorry, laden with sand, was heading in the direction of Katito.
A police report shows that four male adults, including the matatu driver, and one female perished in the accident on the spot.
Initial investigations indicated that the lorry experienced a tire burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
An eyewitness, Collins Otieno, recounted the harrowing moment, stating that the lorry veered uncontrollably into the path of the oncoming PSV, resulting in a catastrophic collision.
“The PSV driver attempted to evade the lorry, which was swerving erratically on the road,” Otieno recounted.
Rescuers faced significant challenges as they worked tirelessly to extricate trapped passengers from the wreckage. The lorry driver reportedly fled the scene following the accident.
Ambulances from Pap Onditi Sub County Hospital were instrumental in transporting the injured individuals to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Subsequently, the bodies of the deceased were transferred to the same hospital mortuary, where they await identification and post-mortem examinations.
Both vehicles involved in the collision were towed to Pap Onditi police station as authorities launch thorough investigations into the tragic incident.