Harrowing Account: Driver Reveals Londiani Tragedy Details
Peter Otieno, one of the drivers present along the Kericho-Nakuru highway on Friday, 30 June, provided a harrowing account of the events preceding the Londiani Tragedy.
On Friday, June 30, a trailer collided with seven matatus and bodabodas at the Londiani Junction, killing over 55 people.
According to the driver who was traveling on the opposite side of the road, he slowed down to avoid a collision after observing the trailer speeding toward him.
However, a driver behind him mistook his stop for a purchase at the crowded market and proceeded to pass him. Sadly, this assumption proved fatal as the vehicle and trailer collided.
“I had arrived at the intersection when I noticed the speeding trailer, prompting me to reduce my speed to avoid an accident. “The driver behind me decided to pass, which led to the collision,” he explained.
ALSO READ: Londiani Junction Tragedy: Over 55 Feared Dead, Others Hospitalised
This resulted in the multiple-car collision that political leaders have since termed a national disaster.
Otieno explained that he narrowly escaped death, adding, “I saw over 20 dead bodies on the ground, but there were more under the trailer.”
In addition, the spouse of one of the market traders recalled how the trailer lost control and veered toward the market.
“I was concerned when I heard the news because my wife works at the market. “She told me that when she saw the vehicle speeding toward them, she ran for safety before returning home,” he stated.
The trailer en route to Kericho Town reportedly lost control at Londiani Junction. According to reports, the trailer was carrying goods when the accident occurred.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto led the nation through a period of grief. The Head of State expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government will support them.
“We pray for the survivors’ speedy recovery; you are in our thoughts.” We urge drivers to be extra cautious on the roads, especially during this period of heavy precipitation,” he said.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported on Thursday, June 29, that at least 2,124 fatalities occurred between January and June of 2023.
The data revealed that 729 pedestrians were responsible for the majority of these fatalities.
Harrowing Account: Driver Reveals Londiani Tragedy Details
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