The death toll from a road accident which occurred in Homa Bay on Monday, September 26, has risen to 10 after two more passengers died.
Eight people died on the spot on Monday evening after a matatu collided head-on with a fuel tanker at Got Kokech Ngegu trading centre along Homa Bay-Kendu Bay road.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Samson Ole Kinne said a Form Three boy and a woman, who sustained injuries in the accident, died on Monday night while receiving treatment at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital.
The student from Kobala Mixed Secondary School within Rachuonyo North Sub County was on his way back to school at the time of the accident.
The boy’s death now brings to two the number of students who perished in the accident. A Class Seven pupil at Janeiro Junior Academy was among the eight people who died on the spot.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Kisumu-bound matatu was speeding during the accident.
The driver of the vehicle is said to have attempted to overtake another matatu when he collided head-on with the fuel tanker that was heading to Homa Bay.
Bodies of the deceased were moved to Homa Bay Referral Hospital morgue for preservation awaiting identification.
Police warn motorists
Kinne urged motorists to observe traffic rules and avoid speeding especially at this time when children are reporting back to school.
A number of Homa Bay County leaders have sent their condolences to the family and friends of the departed souls.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said she was saddened by the news of the fatal crash.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of 10 precious lives and the injuries to more in the unfortunate incident. I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to those who have lost friends and loved ones during this time of grief, I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured,” she stated.
Senator Moses Kajwang also sent his condolences to the family and friends of the victims asking for God’s comfort during this difficult time.
“My sincere condolences to family, friends and relatives of the families who have lost their loved ones this evening along Homabay – Kendu Bay Road. May God comfort them during this trying moment,” Kajwang said.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers Union Secretary General Akello Misori wished the injured speedy recovery
“Totally saddened by this accident that has occurred at Ngegu involving a PSV heading to Kisumu. Pole to the affected families and quick recovery to those who have been rushed to hospital,” Misori stated.
The accident occurred barely a day after a trailer ferrying sugarcanes to Kisumu killed a motorcyclist and a passenger at Arujo bridge within Homa Bay Town.
