14 dead, several injured in Turkana accident on Saturday night

Fourteen people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident in Turkana County on Saturday night.

The deceased people were among 50 passengers in a lorry en route to Turkana North from Lodwar.

Survivors and eyewitnesses say the lorry hit a camel at Lokoyo, Turkana Central before the driver lost control.

The impact caused the vehicle to roll several times after veering off the road.

Turkana Central Sub-County Police Commander Lemmy Jiru has confirmed the incident saying, the accident happened around 8.30 pm.

The accident happened a few kilometres from Lodwar town, he adds.

The injured passengers were rushed to Lodwar County Referral Hospital for medical assistance.

Mary Ayanai, a survivor, said: "I was sleeping and I did not know what was happening. A loud bang woke me up and after regaining consciousness I heard people crying and calling for help. There were bodies all over the scene. I am lucky to be alive."

Turkana Health Chief Officer Peter Lomorukai said that 13 casualties were admitted to the Lodwar County Referral Hospital while several others were treated for minor injuries and discharged.

"Four of the injured were female adults, seven were male adults and two were children. They are in fairly good condition and the situation is under control," he said.

He said the 14 bodies are at Lodwar County Referral Hospital Mortuary