This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
On Monday, a devastating trailer accident occurred at Kisian Junction on the Kisumu-Busia-Bondo road, claiming the lives of eight people.
The accident happened at 3pm when a trailer hauling tons of sugar cane lost control and ploughed into a matatu, a private van, and pedestrians in the outskirts of Kisumu town.
Seven people died instantly, while members of the public who witnessed the accident attacked and burnt the trailer, accusing the driver of reckless driving.
Relatives of the victims were left distraught as they identified the bodies of their loved ones at the Jaramogi Odinga Hospital mortuary.
According to Kisumu West OCPD Edward Kangara, the trailer was ferrying sugarcane and crashed through a Public Service Vehicle before hitting a private car and pedestrians along the road.
Investigations into the cause of the accident have been launched, with the driver of the trailer still in hospital and unable to record a statement.
"We have lost one more person and one other victim is at the Intensive Care Unit. We are trying all we can to save his life," said Dr. Peter Okoth, Chief Executive of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Meanwhile, Kisumu County Commander Ranson Lolmodol stated that the driver of the trailer is still in hospital and will be questioned once he recovers.
