horrific road accident on the Webuye–Kitale highway in Bungoma County has claimed the lives of 14 people and left more than 16 others injured. The crash occurred late Monday night at Malaha Junction, a known blackspot along the busy highway, and involved a combination of motorcycles, a public service vehicle, and a heavy trailer truck.
According to Western Region Traffic officials, the incident began when two motorcycles collided head-on. Villagers and passersby rushed to the scene to assist the injured, creating a chaotic scene on the roadside.
Tragically, while people were gathered to help, a heavy trailer truck traveling from Kitale toward Webuye reportedly lost control and ploughed into the crowd. The truck also collided with parked motorcycles and vehicles, causing additional casualties.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to provide urgent medical attention. Ten victims were declared dead at the scene, while four others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to 14.
Authorities confirmed that more than 16 people were injured, many with severe trauma, and were rushed to Webuye Sub‑County Hospital for treatment. Several remain in critical condition, with families anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones.
The driver of the trailer reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. Police have launched investigations to track down the driver and are examining how the truck lost control.
Local residents described a chaotic scene, with debris from the vehicles scattered across the road. Eyewitnesses said the combination of a narrow roadside, heavy traffic, and darkness contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Western Region Traffic Officer Kiptala called the incident “a devastating loss of life” and warned motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially on high-risk stretches like Malaha Junction.
President William Ruto and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka have publicly expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. Both officials urged authorities to enhance road safety measures and improve monitoring along the highway.
Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also considering additional signage and safety interventions at known accident-prone points on the Webuye–Kitale road.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing road safety challenges in western Kenya, with officials promising stronger enforcement of traffic laws and awareness campaigns to prevent future fatalities on the region’s highways.
Tags: Deaths Police Road Accidents Signs Media Kenya Limited Traffic Police
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD