10 die from wedding in Homa Bay night crash
A devastating road crash near Chabera Trading Center in Rachuonyo East, Homa Bay County, has left ten people dead and six others nursing serious injuries, in yet another reminder of the dangers on Kenyan roads. The fatal accident occurred on Sunday evening at around 8 pm, sending shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
According to preliminary reports, the crash involved a Nissan matatu that was ferrying passengers and a lorry that was travelling from Oyugis towards Katito. The two vehicles collided head-on, causing extensive damage and leading to the instant death of several occupants. Those who lost their lives included six women and four men, among them the matatu driver, who was at the wheel at the time of the collision.
Dennis Abong’o, the Assistant Chief of Kodumo East Sub-location, said initial findings indicate that the lorry driver lost control of the vehicle before veering into the matatu’s lane. The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the matatu badly mangled and trapping passengers inside, forcing rescuers and members of the public to work together to retrieve the victims.
It later emerged that the matatu was carrying church members from Nyamira County. The group was on their way home after attending a wedding ceremony in Kakamega County. What was meant to be a joyful return journey instead ended in tragedy, plunging families and entire congregations into mourning.
Rachuonyo East Sub-county Police Commander Laban Omol confirmed the incident and disclosed that the lorry driver escaped from the scene immediately after the crash. Police have since launched a manhunt to track down the driver, as investigations into the exact cause of the accident continue.
The six injured passengers were rushed to Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital in Oyugis Town, where they are receiving treatment. Medical officials described some of the injuries as serious, noting that the victims would require close monitoring and further care.
Following the accident, the bodies of the deceased were transferred to the mortuary at Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital to await post-mortem examinations and identification by relatives. The wreckage of both the matatu and the lorry was later towed to Othoro Police Station to aid ongoing investigations.
In the wake of the tragedy, police have appealed to motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes are high. Authorities have reiterated the need for responsible driving, adherence to traffic rules, and regular vehicle maintenance to help reduce the rising number of fatal road accidents across the country.
10 die from wedding in Homa Bay night crash
