A day meant for celebration turned tragic when 10 people who had attended a wedding died in a grisly road accident near Chabera Trading Centre on the Sondu–Oyugis Road in Homa Bay County.
The deceased — six women and four men — had earlier on Sunday been celebrating after witnessing a marriage ceremony. The accident occurred around 8 pm as the group was traveling in a matatu from Kakamega County to Nyamira County.
Among those who died was the driver of the matatu. Six other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical attention.
According to witnesses, the accident occurred when the vehicle collided head-on with a lorry that was headed in the opposite direction. The deceased had boarded the van and was heading towards Oyugis when the tragedy struck.
Kodumo East Sub-location Chief Dennis Abong’o said he received reports indicating that both vehicles were speeding at the time of the accident. He explained that the driver of the lorry lost control, veered off his lane, and rammed into the oncoming van.
“It was difficult for the van driver to control his vehicle when the lorry suddenly moved into his lane. He could not avoid it, leading to the head-on collision,” the administrator said.
The matatu sustained extensive damage. Several passengers were trapped in the wreckage, while others were thrown out of the vehicle on impact, resulting in instant death.
Mr Abong’o said residents collected six bodies from the ground, while others were retrieved from between the twisted metal of the wrecked van.
A member of the church said the group had traveled to Kakamega on Saturday in different vehicles. They were returning home to Nyamira County when one of the groups was involved in the accident.
Rachuonyo East Sub-county Police Commander Laban Omol said the driver of the lorry fled the scene after the collision. Police have since launched a manhunt to trace his whereabouts.
“He abandoned the lorry and ran into the darkness. However, we will get him,” Mr Omol said.
The police commander appealed to motorists to obey traffic rules, especially during the festive season. He faulted some drivers for flouting traffic regulations in a bid to make quick money.
“No one is allowed to speed on the road. Drivers should also avoid overloading and the use of drugs,” he said.
The bodies were taken to Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital Mortuary, while the wrecked Nissan matatu and the lorry were towed to Othoro Police Station.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led political leaders in the region in condoling with the families of the deceased and called for increased road safety during the festive season.
Following the accident, she directed all county emergency services to coordinate with national authorities during rescue operations. She also assured the injured and bereaved families of full support from her administration.
“I urge all road users to exercise extreme caution during this season. Keep safe,” she said.
