At least 10 people tragically lost their lives, and several others sustained severe injuries in a devastating road accident on the Kisumu-Kakamega road on Wednesday evening, November 13, 2024. The accident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. near the Iguhu River Yala bridge, where a fuel tanker lost control and collided with two fully-loaded matatus.
The fuel tanker, reportedly traveling toward Kakamega, is believed to have experienced brake failure as it approached the narrow bridge, causing it to veer into the path of oncoming traffic and crash into two matatus heading toward Chavakali. The impact left the matatus severely damaged, trapping passengers and creating a chaotic scene that quickly attracted the attention of nearby residents.
Emergency response teams were swiftly dispatched to the site, including police and medical personnel, who worked together to extract those trapped and provide immediate medical assistance. Victims were then transported to nearby hospitals, including Mbale and Kakamega Referral Hospitals, where medical staff reported that several patients are in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved road safety measures, especially as the country approaches the festive season—a time when traffic on major highways, including the Kisumu-Kakamega road, typically increases. Local authorities have expressed concern over the frequency of accidents on this particular stretch of road, urging the government to consider additional safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, though brake failure is suspected to have been a major factor. Authorities have also called for enhanced vehicle inspection protocols to ensure roadworthiness, particularly for large transport vehicles, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This tragic accident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety awareness, particularly during peak travel times, and has prompted discussions on implementing stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to protect road users.
