Death toll in Londiani multi-vehicle road crash rises to 51

Peter Ochieng, a driver, told The Standard that the trailer which was heading to Kericho lost control and was about to hit the vehicle he was driving head-on but he was able to evade.

The trailer ended up ramming into six vehicles before landing on a ditch where it claimed the lives of traders and their customers who were by the roadside.

"It was around 6:30 pm when the driver of the trailer hit my truck and lost control, ramming into the matatus," Otieno said.

Londiani Sub County Police Commander Agnes Kunga, who was among the first people at the scene, said the trailer was heading towards Kericho Town from Nakuru when the accident occurred.

"Rescue operation is underway; a number of people are trapped in the wreckages. We are working hard to remove them despite the rains," she said.

The survivors of the Friday evening accident have been taken to the Kericho County Hospital and other health facilities within the County.

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai mourned the deceased saying the county had mobilized ambulances and gotten all health facilities on standby.

"My heart is crushed. It is a dark moment for the people of Kericho. My heart goes out to the families who have just lost their loved one in a worst road carnage at Londiani junction," he wrote on Facebook.

"May God give us grace and strength at this difficult time."

Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei said that she had contacted emergency response teams in the country to help with the rescue operation.

"I send my commiserations to families who have lost their loved ones and healing prayers to those injured," she said.