The death toll from a horrific road crash in western Kenya has risen to 52, officials say, with rescuers working to clear the wreckage of one of the deadliest traffic accidents in the country in recent years.
Key points:
- Among those killed are 31 men, 18 women and two children
- Kenyan leaders expressed condolences to the families of the victims
- WHO says traffic accidents kill more than 800 Africans every day
A truck carrying a shipping container veered out of control and ploughed into other vehicles and people thronging a busy junction on Friday evening, plunging the nation into shock and mourning.
Erick Mutai, the governor of Kericho county where the accident occurred, gave an updated death toll of 52 and said it included 31 men, 18 women and two children.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said during a visit to the crash site at Londiani junction that new safety measures would be introduced after what he described as a "terrible" and "painful" tragedy.
"Investigations have been launched to establish the cause of this accident but we urge drivers to be cautious and follow the rules," he told reporters.
In a later statement, he said 32 people had been injured, adding that the truck involved was registered in Rwanda.
The trailer rammed into private cars, mini-buses, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) and market stalls on the side of a busy highway between the lakeside town of Nakuru and Kericho, an area known for its lush tea plantations.
Footage from late on Friday showed the mangled wreckage of vehicles as rescuers worked in the dark under pouring rain and ambulance sirens wailed.
On Saturday, large crowds of onlookers were at the scene, where the overturned container was stuck in a ditch, debris was strewn across a wide area, including car seats, piles of fruit, a damaged axle and a lone black boot.
Kenyan leaders including President William Ruto expressed their condolences, along with African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat.
"My prayers and thoughts go to the families affected by the Londiani road tragedy, with wishes for a full recovery to the injured," Mr Faki tweeted.
According to figures from Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority, at least 21,760 people were involved in road accidents last year, including 4,690 who died.
The World Health Organization said in September last year that Africa had the highest road traffic fatality rate in the world, with more than 800 people killed every day.
AFP
Posted , updated
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