Current:Home > FinanceAt least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say -InvestTomorrow
At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:18:36
A truck rammed into several other vehicles and market traders in western Kenya, killing at least 51 people, police said.
The Friday evening accident occurred at a location known for vehicle crashes near the Rift Valley town of Londiani, which is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of the capital, Nairobi.
Officers at the scene counted 51 bodies, but more people were believed to be trapped in the wreckage, Rift Valley police commander Tom Odera told The Associated Press.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said on Saturday 32 people were injured and hospitalized, and asked Kenyans to donate blood. It also said heavy rainfall interrupted rescue efforts and people were still trapped in wrecked vehicles.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the scene on Saturday morning and said the government would relocate markets away from the highways to prevent such future accidents.
President William Ruto tweeted a condolence message to bereaved families describing the accident as "distressing" and urging motorists to be "extra cautious."
Witnesses quoted by local media said the truck veered off the major highway and hit several vehicles before hitting pedestrians and traders. Witnesses shared photos of the vehicle wreckages mangled beyond recognition.
Police had said on Friday rescue operations would continue into the night.
The Kenyan Red Cross Society said they have set up stations at hospitals where people can report loved ones still missing and are providing psychological support to those affected.
- In:
- Kenya
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Rays’ Wander Franco placed on administrative leave through June 1 as sexual abuse probe continues
- This is Urban Outfitters' Best Extra 40% Off Sale Yet: $3 Cardigans, $18 Hoodies & More
- Black lawmakers in South Carolina say they were left out of writing anti-discrimination bill
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- This is Urban Outfitters' Best Extra 40% Off Sale Yet: $3 Cardigans, $18 Hoodies & More
- The 50 Most Popular Amazon Items E! Readers Bought This Month: Viral Beauty, Kyle Richards' Picks & More
- Horoscopes Today, March 28, 2024
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- March Madness games today: Everything to know about NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 schedule
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Thousands pack narrow alleys in Cairo for Egypt's mega-Iftar
- For-profit school accused of preying on Black students reaches $28.5 million settlement
- Insurers could face losses of up to $4 billion after Baltimore bridge tragedy
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Settlement reached in lawsuit between Gov. DeSantis allies and Disney
- A mail carrier was among 4 people killed in northern Illinois stabbings
- 2024 NCAA Tournament: What to know about locations, dates, times and more for Sweet 16
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
2024 NCAA Tournament: What to know about locations, dates, times and more for Sweet 16
Minnesota teen gets 4 years as accomplice in fatal robbery that led to police shooting of Amir Locke
Twenty One Pilots announces 'Clancy' concert tour, drops new single
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
'Shirley': Who plays Shirley Chisholm and other politicians in popular new Netflix film?
Authorizing sports betting in Georgia may lack needed votes from lawmakers
Down ACC? Think again. Conference reminding all it's still the king of March Madness.