Ten people lost their lives in a tragic road accident on Sunday night near Chabera Trading Centre in Rachuonyo East, Homa Bay County. The crash occurred at around 8:00 pm and also left six other people with serious injuries.
According to local authorities, the victims were traveling in a Nissan matatu that was carrying church members from Nyamira County. The group was returning from Kakamega County, where they had attended a wedding of one of their church members, when the accident happened.
The matatu collided head-on with a lorry that was traveling from Oyugis towards Katito. The Assistant Chief of Kodumo East Sub-location, Dennis Abong’o, said the accident occurred after the lorry driver lost control of the vehicle and veered into the matatu’s lane, causing the deadly collision.
Among the ten people who died were six women and four men, including the matatu driver. The impact of the crash was severe, leading to instant deaths at the scene.
Rachuonyo East Sub-county Police Commander Laban Omol confirmed the incident and said that the lorry driver fled the scene after the accident and is currently being sought by the police. He added that the injured victims were rushed to Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital in Oyugis Town, where they are receiving treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital Mortuary. Both the matatu and the lorry were later towed to Othoro Police Station for further investigation.
Police have urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads, especially during the festive season, to prevent similar accidents. Authorities are continuing investigations as families of the victims mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones.
