Seven passengers perished Wednesday night in a road accident in Oyani area along Migori-Kisii Highway.

Twelve others sustained serious injuries. Base Commander Chief Inspector Aggrey Ukiru said the driver of the 14-seater matatu is believed to have lost control of the vehicle after hitting a pothole on the highway.

"The driver lost control upon hitting a pothole in the middle of the road. It was at night and that might have contributed to the accident. Five people died dead on the spot while the other two succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at Migori Level Four Hospital," said Ukiru.

When The Standard visited Migori Level Four Hospital, sombre mood engulfed the hospital with many people waiting to identify the bodies of their loved ones.

According to a survivor, Edward Oyoo, who is still under medication, the vehicle had faulty brakes and their effort to stop the driver from over speeding bore no fruit.