By Frank Kamuntu
The village of Kanya in Jigawa state Kenya was thrown into mourning following a tragic accident involving a DAF Truck and a Toyota Hiace car, resulting in the loss of 14 lives.
As per DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, the accident happened on Tuesday, July 16.
The speeding Toyota Hiace, heading to Kanya market, was trying to evade immigration officers.
Instead of stopping for inspection, it veered to the opposite lane, colliding head-on with the truck. This collision also left four passengers critically injured.
“The driver refused to stop when immigration officers intervened and tried to evade the checkpoint by swerving into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision with the DAF truck,” he explained, according to The Whistler.
Further details provided by the police indicated that the Toyota Hiace was overloaded with goods at the time of the incident.
The injured individuals were swiftly taken to Kanya Babba Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“Upon arrival, the deceased and injured were promptly taken to Kanya Babba Hospital. A doctor certified the deceased, and the injured are currently receiving medical care,” Adam added.
The Monday, July 15 accident happened along Kisumu-Kakamega Road. The injured were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for urgent medical care.
From the footage of the accident, some residents and St John Ambulance helped in the rescue mission.