Five family members killed in road accident

By BARAKA KARAMA

Siaya County

Ururi village in Usenge sub-location of Siaya County was thrown into mourning following an accident that claimed the lives of five family members.

What began as a solemn journey to console a bereaved relative turned tragic in the accident that claimed the lives of ten other passengers. Several others got injured, some critically

Ahero OCS Joel Syukih examines the mangled wreckage of a private van that left scores dead in road accident. [PHOTO: JAMES KEYI/STANDARD]

A wind of sorrow blew across the home of the late Mzee Bwong Angori as friends and relatives trickled in to condole with the family.

The five family members died when a lorry and a matatu collided along the Kisii-Ahero highway near Katito, Nyando District of Kisumu County.

Lost control

The lorry driver is said to have lost control and rammed onto the matatu near Ayueyo market on Saturday.

"The lorry veered off the road near Ayueyo shopping centre and collided with the matatu which was coming from the opposite direction causing it to roll several times," said Nyando OCPD Peter Mbarire.

Mbarire said the ill-fated lorry landed on the vehicle killing the eight occupants on the spot and making rescue operation difficult. They were accompanying Mzee Ohayo Ogwa to a burial ceremony of his son’s father-in-law in South Nyanza.

Ohayo said: "We had hired a vehicle to attend a funeral of my in-law in South Nyanza. The burial was scheduled to take place on Saturday."

No memory

The accident also claimed his son Peter Ohayo, whose father-in-law had passed away.

"I can’t remember what transpired, I only saw a lorry on top of our vehicle," said Ohayo.

His wife suffered minor injuries and has been admitted to the New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital.

He explained that they had planned for the trip a week ago and according to Luo customs, he was to attend the burial in the company of other relatives since he was an in-law.

Two of the deceased persons were brothers who were accompanied by their wives and sister-in-law, who also lost died.

"The home is now left with several orphans after losing both parents in the accident," he said.

Gloom

Gloom engulfed New Nyanza Hospital mortuary as shocked friends and relatives flocked the place.

He said the family would meet in the course of the week for burial arrangements.

Several accidents in the near past have claimed many lives putting the issue of road safety back in the limelight.