Two men died yesterday evening at Kaburengu, Lugari Sub County in an accident along the Eldoret-Malaba highway after a long distance truck lost control, veered off the road and went up in flames, with the two victims still in the vehicle. According to an eye witness, Caroline Kanaria, after losing control of the truck, the driver called for help but it was in vain and she blamed a Chinese contractor who is in charge of a flyover construction at Kaburengu junction for not offering a helping hand even though the machinery to help was available. She also faulted the Kakamega County government for not purchasing fire fighting trucks.
Speaking at the scene of the accident, Moses Musonye said the truck was carrying very corrosive material, adding that it’s the third accident in a week’s time, and hinted that there could be an engineering fault on the Eldoret-Malaba highway. He said a way should be devised to deal with the problems of the road accidents. He also advised residents to keep their distance when such trucks are involved in an accident because some could be carrying corrosive material or petrol that could lead to an explosion.
On her part, Bungoma County Special Program Officer Mrs. Caro Buyela,who visited the scene of crime, faulted the contractor for not putting road signs, saying they would’ve come in handy. She also asked the Kakamega County government, through the Special Programs department to work closely with them so that when such accidents happen,plans can be in place and lives van be saved. Last month, fourteen people lost their lives in an accident at Kaburengu.