By Jabali Media
A somber mood has engulfed areas of Kisumu and Homabay counties after three learners died in a road crash on Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred when a Bestline Sacco matatu ferrying Ober Boys Boarding Primary School pupils from Homa Bay to Kisumu crashed into a lorry at Kibwon, in Nyakach Sub County.
Three learners died while 19 sustained various injuries. The conductor of the ill-fated vehicle also died in the accident.
Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o conveyed his heartfelt condolences to parents and learners of the affected students. The learners were travelling home for the April holidays.
“On behalf of the people of Kisumu County, I convey heartfelt condolences to teachers, pupils, and parents of Ober Boys Boarding School for this great loss of lives of the pupils who were traveling to their homes for the April holidays,” said the second term governor in a statement seen by Jabali Digital.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost such young souls in a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the drivers of the two vehicles taken the required caution and adhered to professionalism,” added Nyong’o.
He urged police to immediately launch detailed investigations into the accident to establish the cause, and take appropriate action against individuals whose mistakes may have led to the crash.
Meanwhile, five Mbita Boys High School students were hit by a speeding personal vehicle on Wednesday morning, after the driver lost control and rammed into them.
According to eyewitnesses, the students were walking along the ICIPE stretch on the sidewalks, heading to Mbita Town.
The car was reportedly moving at high speed, with the driver being suspected of having been under the influence of alcohol.
The injured students were rushed to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital for emergency treatment before two of them succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities have launched investigations into the incident.
