Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa announced that the death toll from the Yala Bridge accident on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway has risen to 13.
Barasa stated that three more people succumbed to their injuries at Kakamega County General Hospital.
Ten people died on the spot and twenty were injured during the tragic road accident that happened at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, at Iguhu Bridge.
According to police report, the tanker traveling from Kisumu toward Kakamega reportedly hit a bump, causing the driver to lose control and veer into the oncoming lane, where it collided with two Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
“On reaching at the location of the accident, he hit a bump, lost control of the Motor vehicle and veered to the right side of the road as one faces Kakamega direction and hit two vehicles,” read the report.
The tanker driver fled the scene, and police have not yet identified him.
The matatus, heading from Kakamega to Kisumu, were carrying passengers at the time of impact.
Ten people were killed instantly, and the injured were transported to Mbale District Hospital and Kakamega County General Hospital.
The deceased were moved to Kakamega General Referral Hospital’s morgue for identification and post-mortem examinations.
Witnesses at the scene described the tragic events.
Witness Recount How the Accident Happened
One witness stated that the brakes of the tanker may have failed before crashing into the two matatus.
“We have witnessed an accident here which is tragic and can be termed as a national disaster. The tanker was headed to Kakamega while the two vehicles were headed to the opposite direction,” he said.
“We don’t understand whether the tank lost brakes or what really happened. The passengers in the two matatus have all died.”
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Another witness reported that the tanker lost control after hitting a bump and struck one matatu parked beside the road, which then collided with the second due to the impact.
“The tanker lost control and came down from above at high speed. When it went over the bumps, it lost control and crashed into a passenger vehicle on the side of the road. It hit the first minibus, which then crashed into the one behind it,” he recounted.
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A third witness noted that local residents rushed to assist the injured, but many succumbed to their injuries.
“We tried to save as many people as we could, taking them to hospitals,” he said.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that authorities are actively searching for the tanker driver who fled after the crash.
This comes after two people died on the same highway in July 2024 after a lorry carrying wooden planks that was traveling from Kakamega heading to Kisumu overturned at Mamboleo.
Condolence Messages
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has sent a condolence message to families who lost their loved ones in the accident.
“I join in mourning with the families who have tragically lost their loved ones in the unfortunate accident at Iguhu Bridge along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway. In this time of profound grief, may the Lord grant them comfort and strength,” he wrote on X.
Mudavadi also wished the injured one’s quick recovery and told Kenyans to careful while driving as the festive season approcahes.
“To those who have been injured, I send my heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery. As we approach the festive season, I urge all road users to exercise extra caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of all,” he said.
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