At least 14 people have lost their lives while 30 others sustained injuries following a tragic road accident at Malaha Junction along the Kitale–Webuye highway in Bungoma County. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after a long-distance trailer reportedly lost control and rammed into several vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians near the busy junction.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the incident took place at around 2 a.m. when the trailer was travelling from Kitale towards Webuye. The truck is said to have veered off the road before crashing into private cars and motorcycles that had been parked along the roadside. Several boda boda riders who were waiting for passengers along the highway were also caught in the impact.
Preliminary reports indicate that the situation escalated after two motorcycles were involved in a head-on collision earlier at the same location. The crash attracted a crowd of bystanders and riders who gathered at the scene. Moments later, the trailer barreled into the group, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Authorities say the trailer driver is suspected to have fled immediately after the accident. Rosemary Odeke confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash and verify the total number of casualties. She urged motorists to exercise extra caution while driving at night as police continue to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy.
Casualties Taken to Hospital
The injured victims were rushed to Webuye County Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the bodies of those who died in the accident were moved to the same hospital’s mortuary awaiting identification and postmortem examinations. The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety on major highways, particularly during nighttime travel.
