A tragic accident occurred in Kakamega County, specifically at Chimoi in the Lugari region, where one person lost their life. The accident, which involved a truck on the Eldoret-Webuye highway, left a trader dead and a woman seriously injured. The truck, which was transporting cement, had been parked by the side of the road when it suddenly rolled over and struck nearby shops.
The deceased was identified as Enoch Wawire, a local trader who was caught by the truck’s sudden movement. He died instantly at the scene, leaving behind a community in mourning. The woman, who was also hit by the truck, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of her injuries has yet to be fully detailed, but it is clear that the accident has caused significant distress within the local community.
According to local reports, the truck had been stationary before the unfortunate incident. Eyewitnesses described how the vehicle unexpectedly rolled over, smashing into the nearby shops and causing further damage. The precise cause of the truck’s movement is still under investigation, but it is believed that mechanical failure or the negligence of the driver may have played a role.
The police, led by Matete OCPD Anthony Okout, have launched a manhunt for the driver of the truck who fled the scene immediately after the accident. Authorities are currently gathering information from witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby areas to track down the individual responsible for the crash.
Local residents have expressed their shock and sadness over the incident, highlighting the dangers posed by poorly maintained roads and vehicles. There have been consistent complaints from the community regarding the state of the roads in the region, with many calling for urgent improvements to prevent further accidents. The Eldoret-Webuye highway, a critical link for the movement of goods and people, is known for heavy traffic, and this incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved when safety standards are not followed.
This tragedy underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding road safety in many parts of Kenya, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be lacking. While road safety campaigns and enforcement of traffic regulations have been ramped up in some regions, accidents like this highlight the need for more stringent measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike.
As investigations continue, there is hope that the authorities will be able to piece together the details surrounding the truck’s movement and hold those responsible for the accident accountable. The community has rallied around the families of those affected, with several local organizations offering support and assistance. This incident has prompted renewed calls for better regulation of commercial vehicles and improved infrastructure to ensure the safety of all road users.
In the wake of this devastating accident, residents are also urging the government to address the poor state of roads and to ensure that vehicles on the road are properly maintained. They believe that these measures are necessary not only to prevent further fatalities but also to safeguard the livelihoods of those who depend on the roads for their daily business, like traders such as Enoch Wawire.
The road to justice and accountability for this tragic event will undoubtedly be a long one, but it is clear that the community and the authorities are determined to prevent such accidents in the future.
