A somber mood engulfed the small town of Kibirigwi on Friday morning, November 22, following a devastating accident on the Sagana-Karatina Highway that claimed five lives. The accident, which left residents and passersby in shock, involved a lorry carrying maize and two private cars.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as heart-wrenching, with the wreckage of the vehicles and scattered maize grains painting a grim picture of the crash’s impact. According to the Kirinyaga West sub-county police, the lorry reportedly lost control while navigating the busy highway. Careening into the opposite lane, it collided with two oncoming vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow in its wake.
A Morning Marred by Tragedy
The accident occurred during the early hours of Friday, a time when the highway is typically bustling with commuters and transporters. The lorry, laden with maize, overturned after the crash, spilling its cargo across the road. The private cars bore the brunt of the collision, with videos shared online revealing the mangled remains of the vehicles.
Witnesses gathered at the scene expressed disbelief and grief. “It’s a terrible loss,” said one resident. “Seeing this tragedy unfold so close to home is heartbreaking.” Many noted the stretch of highway has been notorious for accidents, and this incident has reignited calls for enhanced road safety measures.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency responders arrived promptly, working alongside local residents to rescue survivors and manage the chaotic aftermath. The process was arduous, as the vehicles’ extensive damage made extrication efforts challenging. Traffic on the busy highway came to a standstill, with a long line of vehicles stretching in both directions as rescue teams worked to clear the road.
Among the gathered crowd, some offered assistance while others stood silently, overcome with emotion. The sight of the overturned lorry and the demolished cars served as a grim reminder of how fleeting life can be.
Renewed Calls for Road Safety
This tragic incident has sparked renewed discussions about road safety and the need for stricter regulations on commercial vehicle maintenance. Some locals pointed to the possibility of brake failure as the cause of the lorry losing control, while others highlighted the importance of enforcing speed limits and regular vehicle inspections.
For now, the families of the five victims are left grappling with their loss, as the community mourns lives cut short in such a devastating manner. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As the debris is cleared and the highway resumes its usual flow, the scars of this tragic event remain etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it. For Kibirigwi, this Friday will be remembered not just as a day of loss, but as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance on the roads.
