Peter Otieno, one of the drivers present along the Kericho-Nakuru highway on Friday, June 30, gave a harrowing account of the events leading up to the Londiani Tragedy.
On Friday, June 30, a trailer rammed into seven matatus and bodabodas killing over 55 people at the Londiani Junction.
According to the driver who was driving on the opposite side of the road, he noticed the trailer speeding in his direction prompting him to slow down to avoid a collision.
However, another driver behind him mistakingly assumed he stopped to buy something at the busy market and went on to overtake. Unfortunately, this assumption proved fatal as the vehicle crashed with the trailer.
"I had arrived at the junction when I saw the trailer speeding prompting me to slow down to avoid the accident. The driver behind me decided to overtake and that's how the collision occurred," he stated.
This resulted in the multiple-car crash that has since been termed a national disaster by political leaders.
Otieno explained that he narrowly escaped death adding, "I have seen over 20 bodies laying dead on the ground but there were more crashed under the trailer."
Additionally, the husband to one of the traders working at the market recalled how the trailer lost control and veered toward the market.
"When I heard the news I was worried since my wife works at the market. She told me that after seeing the vehicle heading in their direction at high speed, she ran for safety before heading home," he stated.
Reports indicated that the trailer heading to Kericho Town lost control at Londiani Junction. It was reported that the trailer was transporting goods when the accident occurred.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto led the country in mourning. The Head of State extended his condolences to the victims' families assuring the government will stand by them.
"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," he stated.
According to data released by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Thursday, June 29, at least 2,124 fatalities were recorded between January and June 2023.
The data showed that pedestrians accounted for a huge chunk of these fatalities, with 729 lives lost.
