A road accident in Homa Bay County on Tuesday claimed one life and left 15 others critically injured after a pickup truck overturned at Malongo Village in Suba South Constituency. The vehicle, carrying 24 church members, was on its way to Suba Subcounty Hospital in Sindo to collect a body when the accident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the pickup, which was not designed for passenger transport, was struggling with the rough road conditions before it lost control and overturned. Eight other passengers sustained minor injuries and received treatment at a nearby health facility, while those critically injured were rushed to local hospitals for emergency medical assistance.
Preliminary investigations indicate that overloading and poor road conditions may have played a significant role in the crash. The pickup, primarily built for transporting goods, was being used as an alternative means of transport for the church members, a practice that has become common in rural areas where proper transport options are limited.
Local authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident, urging residents to prioritize safety and avoid using non-passenger vehicles for transportation. “We strongly advise against the use of pickups and lorries for passenger transport. Such practices put lives at great risk and violate transport safety regulations,” a local official stated.
In light of the accident, road safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies. The lack of public transport in many rural areas often forces residents to rely on improvised means, leading to dangerous situations like the one witnessed in Homa Bay.
Authorities have pledged support for the affected families, with efforts underway to assist those who lost their loved one and those still recovering in hospital. Community leaders and local officials have also emphasized the need for enhanced road safety awareness and infrastructural improvements to reduce accidents in the region.
This incident highlights the urgent need for better transportation policies and enforcement to prevent loss of lives due to unsafe travel conditions. As investigations continue, it remains crucial for both the government and the public to work together to enhance road safety and ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
