A tragic road accident occurred on Sunday night at Nyametembe Bridge in Migori County, claiming the lives of five individuals, including two teachers. The accident, which involved a lorry and two motorcycles, took place along the Migori-Isebania Highway at approximately 7:55 PM.
According to eyewitness reports, the lorry was traveling at high speed when it lost control and collided with two motorcycles that were traveling in the opposite direction. The motorcycles, which had pillion passengers, were severely impacted, resulting in the immediate death of two riders and three pillion passengers. The driver of the lorry, who was ferrying maize from Isebania toward Migori, was injured and is currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Kuria West Sub-County Police Commander, Reuben Bett, confirmed the fatalities and provided details of the incident. He emphasized that the police are conducting investigations to determine the precise cause of the accident. While the specifics remain unclear, it is evident that the high speed of the lorry played a significant role in the tragedy.
The accident has brought attention to the growing number of fatal incidents at Nyametembe Bridge, which residents have described as a notorious black spot. Richard Chacha, a local resident, reported that there have been at least four accidents in the area over the past year alone. He highlighted the narrowness of the road around the bridge as a key factor contributing to these frequent accidents.
Chacha, along with fellow residents Serine Boke and Dancan Nyange, called for urgent intervention from the government to address the safety concerns. They urged the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to expand the road and install speed bumps in the area to prevent further accidents. These measures, they believe, could significantly reduce the risk of collisions and save lives.
The loss of five lives in this accident has left the local community in shock, with many expressing frustration over the continued risks posed by the narrow road and lack of proper safety measures. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local authorities, together with national agencies, must prioritize these safety improvements to safeguard lives and reduce the number of fatalities on this stretch of road.
