Lorry Falls into River after Bridge Collapses [VIDEO]

The lorry that fell into River Kuja after the Oria-Riat bridge collapsed due to heavy rains cutting off Migori-Homa Bay road
The lorry that fell into River Kuja after the Oria-Riat bridge collapsed due to heavy rains cutting off Migori-Homa Bay road.
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A truck ferrying sugarcane in Homa Bay County plunged into River Kuja after the bridge it was travelling on collapsed under its weight.

The incident at the Oria-Riat bridge was attributed to heavy rains in the area with the crash cutting off Migori- Homa Bay Road.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, May 12, area Woman Representative Gladys Wanga stated that the rescue operations were ongoing to ensure the transport link was restored.

"The Riat/Oria bridge sadly collapsed this morning. We are in touch with all relevant agencies to ensure movement resumes in the shortest time possible through the construction of a footbridge for persons and motorbikes as the major construction works begin," she stated.

Watch the video below:

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Speaking to reporters, Ndhiwa sub-county police commander Robert Aboki assured that the driver had been rescued.

Earlier on Tuesday, May 11, the Kenyan Nationals Highways Authority (KeNHA) had issued a travel advisory, due to the increased rainfall in Nyanza Region.

The agency noted that several sections of the Lake Victoria basin have been affected by flooding. It singled out the Bondo - Usenge - Osieko Road has having been cut off at the Dhogoye Bridge by floods.

"Since there is no alternative access to Osieko, we wish to advise motorists along that section not to attempt crossing the over-topped section, and to only cross when water levels are low.

"We advise that trucks avoid using the crossing for now as we evaluate mechanisms of undertaking works on the structure," he stated.

The roads agency assured that a permanent Bridge was planned, and a procurement process was underway to solve the rising Lake Victoria water levels at this crossing.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) on Saturday, May 8, warned Kenyans of heavy rainfall in various parts of the country.

"Cloudy conditions with light rains over a few places expected in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening," Kenya Met cautioned. 

KeNHA warned motorists that the Bondo-Usenge-Osieko road has been cut off.
KeNHA warned motorists that the Bondo-Usenge-Osieko road has been cut off.
KeNHA
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