Three people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a tragic road accident in Kabarnet Town, after a lorry reportedly lost control and ploughed into roadside traders and pedestrians.
According to Baringo County Referral Hospital BCRH Medical Officer Dr Festus Kipngetich, 13 survivors were received at the facility.
Seven of them were treated and stabilised, while three critically injured patients were referred to a higher level hospital for specialised care.
Despite resuscitation efforts, three victims succumbed to their injuries. Most of the survivors sustained fractures, particularly tibia and fibula injuries, as well as severe head trauma.
Witnesses say the lorry, which was transporting building materials developed brake failure while descending into Kabarnet town.
It veered off the road, rammed into women selling vegetables by the roadside, hit boda boda riders, and crashed into a parked vehicle before overturning several metres from the initial point of impact.
Baringo County Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Nancy Chesire confirmed the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, noting that emergency teams responded swiftly.
At the same time, Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie has called on the county government to urgently identify and allocate a safer alternative space for traders operating along the roadside, noting that their current location exposes them to constant danger.
While confirming the incident, OCPD Robert Odongo said investigations into the incident are ongoing, with preliminary findings pointing to suspected brake failure.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially when navigating steep slopes during this rainy season.
