This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On July 8, 2019, a devastating road accident occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet County, claiming the lives of two workers and leaving 16 others seriously injured.
The accident involved a lorry belonging to Stecol Corporation, a Chinese construction company, which was ferrying soil and 20 workers along the hilly Tenden-Kamusei road under construction.
According to eyewitnesses, the lorry sped off the road, climbed a wall near Kamusei Primary school gate, and overturned, killing one worker instantly.
Resident Thomas Chepkiyeng described the scene, stating that the lorry seemed to have developed a mechanical problem about one kilometer away from the scene of the accident, causing the driver to lose control.
"The lorry seemed to have developed a mechanical problem about one kilometer away from the scene of the accident and the driver could not control it. It went downhill at a high speed," said Mr. Chepkiyeng.
Area chief Joseph Kibowen also commented on the incident, stating that the truck seemingly lost its brakes because it was uncontrollably speeding downhill.
Police commander John Mwinzi confirmed the incident, stating that the two deceased workers died of suffocation after being covered by the soil being transported.
Mr. Mwinzi also stated that the driver of the Chinese Tiba truck lost control after its brakes failed, resulting in six occupants sustaining serious injuries and being taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital in Trans Nzoia County.
Investigations have been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
