Deadly Crash at Londiani Junction Claims 48 Lives
A horrific crash at Londiani Junction near Kericho, western Kenya, has killed at least 48 people. A container lorry lost control, smashing into eight vehicles, motorbikes, pedestrians, and market vendors in a deadly pile-up.
Many Injured and Trapped Under Overturned Lorry
Police commander Geoffrey Mayek confirmed 30 people were seriously hurt and fears the death toll could rise. He warned some victims might still be trapped beneath the overturned truck. Regional police boss Tom Mboya Odero revealed the lorry swerved to avoid a broken-down bus, triggering the carnage.
President Ruto Mourns Tragic Loss
President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost, many of them young and hardworking. He urged drivers to exercise caution, especially in rainy weather. “This is a dark day for Kericho,” said Kericho governor Dr Erick Mutai, who sent emergency teams to the scene amid challenging downpours.
Kenya’s Deadly Roads Under Spotlight
- Road crashes plague East Africa, worsened by narrow roads outside cities.
- Africa tops the world in road traffic fatalities, per WHO data.
- Just last year, 34 died when a bus plunged into Kenya’s Nithi River.
- This tragedy once again highlights urgent need for safer roads.
