Death toll in Kisumu accident rises to 25
The death toll from an accident in Kisumu on Friday evening rose to 25, police said.
The bus was travelling from Kakamega to the city of Kisumu, where the accident happened.
The driver lost control of the bus as it approached a roundabout at high speed and plunged into a ditch, according to Peter Maina, a regional traffic enforcement officer for the province of Nyanza.
At least 29 people were initially reported injured in the crash but four of them died later in the hospital, said Fredrick Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary in charge of medical services.
This increased the toll to 25. 21 died on the spot.
The bus, carrying 61 members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach, overturned near the Coptic roundabout after reportedly hitting an object. 32 survivors are currently receiving treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Oluga, announced an urgent blood donation drive scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at Leresian Park within JOOTRH, starting at 9:00 AM.
“This blood drive is crucial to ensure we have sufficient supplies to support the survivors who are undergoing treatment in our Orthopaedic Trauma Ward,” Dr. Oluga said.
The crash shocked many in the region, sparking renewed calls for tougher road safety measures.
The incident took place on a notorious section of road where collisions are frequent.
The cause of the crash was not clear and investigations were ongoing.
Among the deceased are 10 women, 10 men, and a 10-year-old girl.
Five other people were critically injured, with 15 sustaining minor cuts including a minor with 8 months.
The injured were taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu for treatment.
Kenya Red Cross rushed to the scene to help in rescue operations together with St John’s hospital and other County hospitals.
Coptic Roundabout is an infamous blackspot. Locals blame the high number of road accidents there on poor road design, lack of clear signage, and reckless driving.
Most accidents at the spot involve trucks or buses overturning.
President William Ruto sent his condolences to the families of the deceased as he wished the injured quick recovery.
“Our prayers are with the victims of the terrible accident that occurred tonight on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.
May the Almighty give strength to the families to bear with the loss. We wish speedy recovery to the injured.”
“We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country,” he said in a post on X.
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua said he was deeply pained by the Kisumu Road crash that claimed innocent lives today.
“One life lost is one too many. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash,” said Gachagua.
He urged all road users to exercise maximum care on the roads.
This comes a day after nine people died in an accident involving a train and a bus near Morendat Farm in Naivasha.
Among the deceased were four Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff from the Morendat Training and Conference Centre and five staff from a contracted cleaning service provider.
The tragedy occurred when a KPC staff bus collided with a Kenya Railways train at a railway crossing near the Morendat Training and Conference Centre (MTCC).
The bus was ferrying 32 staff members who were getting off the morning shift. Following the accident, those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, while those in critical condition were evacuated to Nairobi for specialized care.