In a devastating accident on Friday evening, June 30, a truck collided with several vehicles and market traders, resulting in at least 51 deaths, as confirmed by local police. 

The incident occurred near the town of Londiani in western Kenya, situated roughly 125 miles northwest of Nairobi, a region notorious for vehicle crashes. 

Rift Valley police Commander, Tom Odera, said that while 51 bodies had been accounted for at the scene, there was concern that additional people might remain trapped in the wreckage. The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that 32 people were injured and are currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. They also appealed to the public for blood donations to assist the victims. 

Rescue efforts were significantly hampered by heavy rainfall, which further complicated the situation and left some people still trapped inside the demolished vehicles. In response to this tragedy, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the accident site and announced plans to relocate markets away from the highways, with the aim of preventing similar accidents in the future. 

President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the bereaved families via a heartfelt tweet, expressing his distress at the unfortunate incident and urging all motorists to exercise increased caution on the roads. 

Eyewitnesses recounted that the truck veered off the main highway, colliding with several vehicles and pedestrians, including traders. Shocking images shared by witnesses displayed the wreckage of vehicles, mangled and unrecognizable. 

Rescue operations, as declared by the police on Friday, continued throughout the night. The Kenyan Red Cross Society established stations at local hospitals, where concerned individuals could report missing loved ones. Additionally, they offered psychological support to those affected by the tragedy.