- Duty doctor at Kericho District Hospital, Dr Collins Kipkoech, told the media that so far 45 bodies have been received at the hospital morgue.
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Several people are feared dead in a tragic road accident in Londiani, along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.
Duty doctor at Kericho District Hospital, Dr Collins Kipkoech, told the media that so far 45 bodies have been received at the hospital morgue.
The number of bodies trapped in the vehicles raises fears that those dead could hit 55.
Regional police boss Tom Odera confirmed that 45 had died and said there was a possibility that the number could rise.
“We have about 45 bodies and the toll may rise,” he said adding many bodies are trapped under a trailer.
The 6.30 pm accident occurred after a truck lost control, running over pedestrians, business people and matatus which were parked by the roadside, witnesses and police said.
The truck was heading to Kericho before it lost control and veered off the road, ramming into tens of hawkers who were busy along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.
Witnesses said the driver of the truck was trying to avoid hitting a bus that was parked on the road after developing a mechanical hitch before losing control.
Several Nissan matatus were damaged beyond recognition during the evening accident.
Odera said the rescue mission is still going on with several bodies still trapped inside vehicles with some under the truck.
More than 60 people were rushed to different hospitals in Londiani, Kericho and Nakuru where they are currently receiving treatment.
The rescue mission is ongoing with most of the survivors having suffered broken or severed limbs.
Police say the Rescue and recovery operation for the people who are still trapped in the wrecks is complicated because of rains pounding the area and darkness.
Eyewitnesses say the driver of the truck which was going towards Kericho's general direction lost control of the vehicle as he tried to avoid ramming into a bus that had stalled on the road.
It ploughed into several cars among them Public Service Vehicle, personal vehicles and motorbikes
Kericho Woman Rep Beatrice Kemei is among the leaders who have commented on the tragic accident.
"Sad to learn about the grisly road accident involving a truck and matatus at Londiani Junction. Unfortunately, several people lost their lives after the truck lost its brakes and rammed into other vehicles before crash landing on the nearby roadside sellers," she said.
"I have engaged the relevant emergency response teams who have just confirmed to me that ambulances and rescue personnel have already been dispatched to the accident scene so they can offer the much-needed assistance."
She added:
"I send my commiserations to families who have lost their loved ones and healing prayers to those injured. We turn our eyes to God for strength and solace during such low and trying moments in our county."