Kipkaren market accident toll rises to 6
Kipkaren residents at the scene of the accident which killed six people. The lorry was heading to Eldoret when it rolled, killing four men, a woman and a child. The driver was seriously injured. PHOTO | COPPERFIELD LAGAT
What you need to know:
- The western region Traffic Chief Evans Gatembe said four men, a woman and child perished in the accident. The lorry driver was among those seriously injured.
- Kakamega County Police Commander Menegene Warui asked motorists to be careful as they approached the market since the road was very steep.
The death toll in the Sunday Kipkaren road accident increased to six Monday when one of the victims in hospital succumbed to injuries.
The western region Traffic Chief Evans Gatembe said four men, a woman and child perished in the accident. The lorry driver was among those seriously injured.
A crushed body of the child was found in a ditch near Kipkaren River.
Mr Gatembe said the driver lost control of the lorry after its brakes failed.
The lorry rolled on the four people – two men, a woman and a child – who died on the spot. Two others sustained injuries and were rushed to Lumakanda District Hospital.
The truck’s engine and fuel tank were ripped from the chassis.
Mr Gatembe said despite safety campaigns at the market, traders had continued to expose themselves to risk by operating next to the road.
Kakamega County Police Commander Menegene Warui asked motorists to be careful as they approached the market since the road was very steep.
Meanwhile, the father of Nyamira County Finance Executive Member John Omanwa was killed in a road accident on Sunday evening.
Mr James Omanwa Masaki was crushed to death after being sandwhiched between two vehicles. He was waiting for a matatu at Konate on the Kisii-Kericho road.
Witnesses said the retired teacher was standing next to a lorry packed beside the road when a car from a driving school lost control and crushed him.
He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
