Current:Home > InvestAt least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say -FutureWise Finance
At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say
View
Date:2025-04-15 19:47:25
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! (92)
Related
- Sam Taylor
- Carbon monoxide leak suspected of killing Washington state college student
- Men charged with illegal killing of 3,600 birds, including bald and golden eagles to sell
- Retail sales up 0.3% in November, showing how Americans continue to spend
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Father, stepmother and uncle of 10-year-old girl found dead in UK home deny murder charges
- Rights expert blasts Italy’s handling of gender-based violence and discrimination against women
- Lawmaker’s suspension means a possible special election and more trouble for U.K. Conservatives
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Academic arrested in Norway as a Moscow spy confirms his real, Russian name, officials say
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Why '90s ads are unforgettable
- How Shohei Ohtani can opt out of his $700 million contract with Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2023: The year we played with artificial intelligence — and weren’t sure what to do about it
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Why Twilight’s Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson “Never Really Connected on a Deep Level”
- Madonna Celebration Tour: See the setlist for her iconic career-spanning show
- South Korean Olympic chief defends move to send athletes to train at military camp
Recommendation
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
Discovery inside unearthed bottle would’ve shocked the scientist who buried it in 1879
Academic arrested in Norway as a Moscow spy confirms his real, Russian name, officials say
Discovery inside unearthed bottle would’ve shocked the scientist who buried it in 1879
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Illinois State apologizes to Norfolk State after fan shouts racial slur during game
How are Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea affecting global trade?
Ex-Tokyo Olympics official pleads not guilty to taking bribes in exchange for Games contracts