Update: 11:02 PM: President William Ruto condoles with the families of Londiani Accident victims.
"The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho County. It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores.
"We pray for the speedy recovery of all survivors; you are in our thoughts. We urge motorists to be extra cautious on roads, especially now when we are experiencing heavy rainfall," Ruto rallied the nation.
Update: 10:30 PM: Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen says rescue efforts are underway involving officers from various agencies of national and county governments, elected leaders, the Red Cross and other well wishers.
"More information will be shared with the public. The rescue efforts will be followed by investigations to determine the cause of the crash.
"I take this opportunity to condole with the families, friends of the bereaved, and wish quick recovery to those injured following this tragic incident," Murkomen eulogised.
Update: 10:00 PM: Reports indicate that the death toll in the Londiani Accident is at 55 and projected to rise.
Several people were feared dead on Friday, June 30, in a multi-car crash at the Londiani Junction along the Kericho-Nakuru highway.
According to eyewitnesses, a trailer rammed into Public Service Vehicles (PSV) after losing control before rolling into a nearby market, thus claiming more lives.
The nearly 7 matatus had parked by the roadside at a pick-up stage which also hosts boda boda operators.
While responding to the incident, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Kipkoech sent his condolence message to the victims' families, urging the area residents to remain calm.
"We have mobilised our ambulances and asked all our health facilities to be alert. May God give us grace and strength on this difficult time," Mutai assured that the situation was under control.
On the other hand, Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei encouraged emergency response teams in the country to fast-track the rescue operation.
"I send my commiserations to families who have lost their loved ones and healing prayers to those injured," Kemei, who was overwhelmed by the incident, stated.
Emergency service providers who rushed to the scene assessed the victims and administered first aid before rushing them to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, due to the severity of the crash, some of the victims were thrown into an adjacent ditch, piling onto each other.
By the time of publishing this article, the number of those injured and dead was yet to be disclosed. Reports stated that police were deployed to cordon the area and man traffic on the busy highway.
Data released on Thursday, June 29, by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed that 2,124 fatalities were recorded between January and June 2023.
The deaths recorded in the first half of 2023 dropped compared to the same period in 2022, where only 2,261 cases were reported.
NTSA reported that more pedestrians led with 729 cases recorded, followed by motorcyclists (561), passengers (403), pillion passengers (196), drivers (189), and pedal cyclists (46).
