Local residents gather at the scene where a private car, struck by a lorry, plunged into a river. Image | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Four family members perish in a car accident near the Tenwek Bridge on the Bomet-Olenguruone road.
- Police commander Musa Oma confirms the incident, stating that a saloon car was hit by a lorry, causing it to plunge into the river.
A devastating accident on Thursday near the Tenwek Bridge on the Bomet-Olenguruone road has claimed the lives of four family members.
Bomet Central Sub-county police commander Musa Oma confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that the victims were traveling in a saloon car when it was struck by a lorry in the middle of the bridge, causing it to veer off the road and into the river.
The collision occurred as both vehicles were traveling towards Silibwet, according to Mr. Omar. Sadly, all occupants of the saloon car succumbed to the impact of their vehicle submerging into the deep waters.
Efforts by police and members of the public led to the recovery of three bodies—a male and two females—whose remains were transferred to a mortuary at Longisa Hospital. Regrettably, the body of a minor is still missing.
Describing the incident as tragic, Omar highlighted the challenging circumstances following the accident, with floodwaters carrying the submerged car approximately 50 meters downstream before being halted by trees along the riverbank. The vehicle has since been impounded by authorities after it was retrieved from the water.
“It’s an unfortunate accident. The car, after landing in the water, was carried away by raging floods approximately 50 meters downstream before being halted by trees along the riverbank. We have impounded the car after it was retrieved from the water,” explained Mr. Omar.
Meanwhile, the driver of the truck involved in the collision fled the scene and is anticipated to provide a statement to the police.
The wreckage of the ill-fated car has been towed to Bomet police station for further investigation.
The accident led to a significant traffic backlog on the Olenguruone-Bomet road, causing delays lasting over three hours before normal traffic flow was restored by the police.