1
0
Saturday morning, April 8 2023 turns out to be a sorrowful Easter weekend for Kenyans after a truck rammed into pedestrians in Migori town, claiming 8 lives.
Migori county commander Mark Wanjala said the accident happened at Kakrao center about five kilometers from Migori town.
At least seven people have been confirmed dead after the truck lost control and rammed into motorbikes and vehicles. Several bodaboda riders are still trapped in the wreckage.
It is feared that more than 15 riders and pedestrians might not be going home ever again, following the grisly accident. The accident is believed to have been caused by the brake failure of the truck.
Nyanza police boss Manasse said police have joined in the rescue mission and taken some of the riders who were injured to hospital.
“We have understood a truck driver of some lorry lost its control and plunged into a crowd. Very unfortunate.”, Manasse said
The accident happened in the morning at around 7 a.m. when the speeding lorry ran over parked motorbikes and vehicles.
READ: April 4: Gruesome Murder Of Martin Luther King Jr
Migori county commander made a visit to the area of the accident and confirmed the demise of several residents.
“Six people died on the spot while the seventh died at Migori referral hospital where those hurt have been receiving treatment. “, Wanjala said.
Several leaders have joined the entire nation in mourning and comforting those affected by the accident.
My deepest sympathetic to all those who have lost their loved ones, friends and colleagues in the tragic that occurred this morning at the boda boda stage in Migori town. May God grant you all fortitude to get through this difficult moment. Poleni kwa msiba.”
Raila Odinga wrote.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o also had a comforting message to those affected by the accident.
As the chairman of the lake region BLOC, I wish to condole with the people of Migori and families of those killed in a horror roadside accident when a truck rammed into a crowd quick recovery to those injured in the accident. It is a sad Easter for all of us.
Tweeted governor Anyang’ Nyong’o
Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed was not left out.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of today’s grisly road accident in Migori town.
Wrote Junet Mohammed.
Hungry Kenyans forgot their humanitarianism and opted to loot instead of helping people injured.
However, despite several people being trapped in the wreckage after the fateful accident, police have revealed that Migori residents went ahead for looting instead of rescuing victims of the accident. Understand that the lorry involved in the accident was ferrying rice to Isebania when the accident happened.
Read: Eight Killed in Migori Accident
Migori county commander Mark Wanjala said that the first people who arrived at the scene decided to loot rice instead of offering first aid to victims.
While others were in need of first aid,members of the public who arrived decided to start by looting rice from the lorry which is sad.”
He said.
Within a short while, an entire load of rice, amounting to about 1000 bags was cast out away by members of the public.
Police had to rescue the victims first.”
Wanjala said.
How threatening are road accidents to the lives of citizens?
According to the latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya has recorded 974 deaths from road accidents since January 2023. Of these, pedestrians accounted for the highest number of death at 330, followed by motorcyclists at 265 and passengers at 171.
There’s a 4.6% drop compared to a similar period in 2022.”
NTSA said.
The National Transport and Safety Authority urged road users to be cognitive of the risks associated with driving in the rain and appealed to drivers to exercise caution as the rainy season continues.
We call upon drivers not to endanger their lives and those of their passengers as hydroplaning is a serious threat during the rainy season.
Added NTSA.
