A grisly road accident has claimed the lives of four passengers including three students from Ober Boys Primary School who were on their way for for the end term holidays.
The accident, which happened at Kibuon area in Nyakach, Kisumu County, has also left 19 other students and several other passengers seriously injured.
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Moreover, the conductor of the ill-fated vehicle also died.
The crash happened early Wednesday, April 2 morning just past Nyabondo Junction, when a public service vehicle (PSV) and a sugarcane truck collided head on.
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Further, Nyanza Traffic Police Commander Peter Maina has confirmed the incident, saying several injured victims were rushed to Nyabondo Hospital for treatment.
Also Read: Kenyan Politicians Among 4 Killed Uganda Road Accident
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Details of the Accident
Preliminary reports indicate that the Bestline Sacco PSV was ferrying passengers along the the Sondu-Katito route on the Kisumu-Kisii Highway when the accident occurred.
Witnesses described a scene as gruesome with rescuers working tirelessly to retrieve victims from the wreckage.
Also, local residents and first responders rushed to the scene to assist the injured before emergency services arrived.
From photos shared online, the windscreen was completely shattered and the front part of the vehicle damaged.
The bumper of the vehicle was also damaged, while the roof of the vehicle bent.
On the other hand, the lorry ferrying sugarcane remained intact. Police officers arrived shortly at the scene.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost such young souls in a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the drivers of the two vehicles taken the required caution and adhered to professionalism.
“I wish to appeal to the police to immediately launch detailed investigations into this accident to establish the cause and take appropriate action to individuals whose mistakes may have led to the crash,” Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o stated.
In a separate incident on February 1, four people, including three students from Dr. Aggrey Boys’ High School in Wundanyi constituency died in an accident in Taita Taveta County.
According to the police, the accident occurred when a minibus lost control after suffering a brake failure along the Wundanyi-Mwatate Road.
The students were returning home after a second fire incident at their school forced the administration to close the institution and send them home.
Also Read: Super Metro Addresses Accident Involving Its Bus Days After Resuming Operations
NTSA Statistics on Accidents
Recent data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) indicates that the key causes of accidents are speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.
According to a September 2024 report, a total of 3,056 people lost their lives in road accidents between January 1 and August 27, 2024.
Pedestrians remain the most affected group, with fatalities rising by 15 percent, from 1,044 in 2023 to 1,177 in 2024 during the same period.
Additionally, passenger deaths also recorded a 15 percent increase, climbing from 519 in 2023 to 595 in 2024.
The report further reveals that 262 drivers succumbed to injuries sustained in road crashes, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
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