Two sugarcane loaders killed after tractor overturns in Ndhiwa

Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the driver lost control of the tractor

In Summary
  • They were seated on top of the mudguard of the rear wheels of the tractor. 
  • Homa Bay county police commander Samson Kinne said investigating officers have not established exactly what led to the accident. 
Some trucks loaded with sugarcane in Ndhiwa
Some trucks loaded with sugarcane in Ndhiwa
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

Two men died on the spot after a tractor they were using to ferry sugarcane overturned and fell on them in Ndhiwa.

They died on Tuesday night.

The two are among those who were hired to cut and load cane into the tractor.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the driver lost control of the tractor before it overturned and killed the two men. 

They were seated on top of the mudguard of the rear wheels of the tractor. 

Resident Lawrence Omoro said the accident must have been caused due to lack of adequate headlights. 

He said most drivers failed to comply with traffic rules as some operate their vehicles when drunk.

“Most trailers operating in Ndhiwa don’t have reflectors making it difficult for motorists to see them at night. We’re also asking workers to comply with traffic rules,” Omoro said.

Homa Bay county police commander Samson Kinne said investigating officers have not established exactly what led to the accident. 

However preliminary investigations revealed that the driver was speeding before losing control of the vehicle.

“The driver disappeared from the scene after causing the accident. We believe he was speeding hence causing the accident,” Kinne said.

The police officer said they are conducting thorough investigations because similar accidents involving tractors have been reported on most roads within Ndhiwa.

Their bodies were moved to Manyatta mortuary.

Kanyadoto MCA Apopo Lentana said they are concerned about numerous deaths and injuries reported by tractor drivers.

He said some drivers are not qualified.

“We have raised issues with the police to bring sanity on the road by not allowing people not qualified to operate,” Lentana said.

The MCA said they want police to ban and suspend ferrying of cane at night.

Manyatta mortuary in Kobodo, Ndhiwa constituency
Manyatta mortuary in Kobodo, Ndhiwa constituency
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
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