A devastating road accident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, along the Kisumu-Kakamega Road near the Iguhu Yala Bridge. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of ten lives, leaving the community in deep shock and mourning. According to eyewitness reports, a speeding fuel tanker, which was headed towards Kakamega, lost control after hitting bumps on the road. The tanker veered off its path and crashed into two 14-seater matatus, causing a horrific scene that left many people injured. The crash involved a significant impact, with both matatus severely damaged and passengers trapped inside. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, working tirelessly to rescue survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
The chaotic aftermath of the accident saw emergency personnel and Good Samaritans pulling victims from the wreckage. Witnesses described a heartbreaking sight of mangled vehicles and injured passengers crying for help. Many bystanders who had gathered tried to assist in the rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. The injured were taken to various medical facilities, including Mbale District Hospital and Kakamega County General Hospital, where they received urgent treatment. Medical staff at the hospitals reported that many of the injured were in critical condition, with severe fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Doctors and nurses worked around the clock to stabilize the victims, while families anxiously waited for news of their loved ones.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the tanker was speeding when it approached the section of the road with bumps, causing the driver to lose control. The tanker swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with the first matatu, and then crashed into a second matatu that was following closely behind. The impact was so severe that one of the matatus was pushed off the road, while the other was left overturned with passengers trapped inside. “It happened so fast; the tanker just came flying down the road. I saw it hit the bumps and then veer straight into the matatu in front,” one witness recounted. Others described the sound of the collision as deafening, followed by the screams of injured passengers.
In the immediate aftermath, a sense of panic spread among the onlookers as they tried to make sense of what had just happened. Many rushed to the scene, hoping to help, while others called for emergency services. Ambulances from nearby hospitals arrived swiftly, alongside police officers who cordoned off the area to manage the crowd and direct traffic. Rescue efforts were intense as emergency responders used crowbars and other tools to free those trapped inside the wreckage. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, ten people were pronounced dead at the scene, their bodies later taken to Kakamega Referral Hospital for identification and further procedures. The deceased included passengers from both matatus, leaving families devastated by the sudden loss of their loved ones.
As the rescue operations continued, police began their investigation into the cause of the accident. According to police spokesperson Recillah Onyango, preliminary reports indicated that the tanker’s driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. A manhunt was launched to locate the driver, who is now wanted for questioning. Authorities believe that reckless driving and speeding may have contributed to the accident. They are also investigating whether mechanical issues or poor road conditions played a role. The tanker, which was reportedly transporting fuel, did not catch fire, but there were concerns about a potential spill, prompting authorities to secure the area as a precautionary measure.
The tragic event has sparked a wave of sorrow and anger among the local community and road users. Many have expressed frustration over the increasing number of road accidents in the region, citing poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, and reckless driving as major contributing factors. Residents in the area have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better road maintenance to prevent similar accidents in the future. The Kisumu-Kakamega Road is a busy route, often used by commercial and passenger vehicles, making it prone to accidents, especially in areas with sharp bends and poorly maintained sections.
Families of the victims have been left in shock and despair, struggling to come to terms with their sudden loss. Many have gathered at the hospitals and morgues, seeking information about their relatives and friends who were involved in the accident. The atmosphere at the hospitals was tense, with relatives anxiously waiting for updates on the condition of the injured. Some expressed their grief openly, while others remained silent, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tragedy.
