Fourteen people have lost their lives following a tragic road accident involving two motorcycles and a trailer along the Webuye–Kitale Road.
Police said the deadly crash occurred on Monday night at around 9:45pm in the Malaha area when two motorcyclists travelling in opposite directions collided head-on.
According to a report filed at the Webuye base command, the riders were travelling along the busy highway when the crash happened. Investigators say neither of the two riders was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
The impact of the collision left both riders with fatal injuries, and they died at the scene before help could arrive.
Moments after the crash, members of the public gathered at the scene in an attempt to assist the victims and manage the situation.
However, tragedy struck again when an oncoming trailer travelling towards Webuye allegedly lost control and rammed into the group of bystanders who had gathered near the accident scene.
Police said the trailer ploughed into the pedestrians, killing several of them instantly and leaving others seriously injured.
Ten pedestrians died on the spot, while several others were rushed to Webuye Sub-County Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Unfortunately, four more victims later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the same facility, raising the death toll to 14.
Authorities confirmed that at least 16 people remain admitted in hospital with various injuries, some reported to be in critical condition.
The bodies of the deceased have since been moved to the mortuary at Webuye Sub-County Hospital, where they are awaiting identification and post-mortem examinations.
Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing, with officers seeking to establish the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that the trailer driver fled the scene shortly after the accident, and authorities are now working to trace the vehicle and its driver.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about road safety along major highways in western Kenya, particularly at night when visibility is reduced and traffic movement remains heavy.
Authorities are urging motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads and observe safety measures in order to prevent further loss of lives.
Investigators say more details will be released as inquiries into the tragic accident continue.
