NAIROBI: A truck rammed into several other vehicles and market traders in western Kenya killing at least 51 people, police said.
The Friday evening accident occurred at a location known for vehicle crashes near the Rift Valley town of Londiani, which is about 200 kilometers northwest of the capital, Nairobi.
Officers at the scene counted 51 bodies, but more people were believed to be trapped in the wreckage, Rift Valley police commander Tom Odera said.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said on Saturday 32 people were injured and hospitalized, and asked Kenyans to donate blood. It also said heavy rainfall interrupted rescue efforts and people were still trapped in wrecked vehicles.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the scene on Saturday morning and said the government would relocate markets away from the highways to prevent such future accidents.
President William Ruto tweeted a condolence message to bereaved families describing the accident as “distressing” and urging motorists to be “extra cautious.”
Witnesses quoted by local media said the truck veered off the major highway and hit several vehicles before hitting pedestrians and traders. Witnesses shared photos of the vehicle wreckage mangled beyond recognition.
Police had said on Friday rescue operations would continue into the night.
The Kenyan Red Cross Society said they have set up stations at hospitals where people can report loved ones still missing and are providing psychological support to those affected.
At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured
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At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured
- Truck rams into several other vehicles and market traders
Robbers assault Chinese MP in million-euro Paris burglary
- The Chinese MP was “assaulted in his sleep and reports the theft of several pieces of jewelry ” prosecutors said
- The unauthorized use of a key could be an aggravating factor
PARIS: Thieves attacked a Chinese lawmaker at his Paris home while he was asleep, making off with jewelry and luxury goods worth several million euros, prosecutors said on Friday.
The attack took place overnight Thursday to Friday in the city’s upscale 16th arrondissement, where police found no signs of forced entry, the Paris public prosecutor’s office said.
The Chinese MP was “assaulted in his sleep and reports the theft of several pieces of jewelry and luxury goods,” prosecutors added.
The unauthorized use of a key could be an aggravating factor, it added.
The victim woke after hearing noise and was struck on the head by the burglars before they escaped, a police source said.
The suspects fled with watches, brooches and other valuables, with losses estimated between six and seven million euros ($8.3 million), the source said, adding that the Chinese deputy reported two thieves were involved.
