Trailer Crashes Into Crowd at Malaha Junction After Earlier Crash, 14 Killed, 30 Injured

At least 14 people have lost their lives and more than 30 others injured after a trailer crashed into a crowd at Malaha junction along the busy Kitale–Webuye highway in Bungoma County.

The fatal accident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning at about 2am. Reports indicate that a group of boda boda riders and other road users had gathered near the roadside following an earlier motorcycle crash.

According to witnesses, two motorcycles had collided moments before, drawing a crowd of riders and residents who stopped to check on the victims. Several motorcycles were parked along the road as people tried to understand what had happened.

While the crowd was still at the scene, a long-distance trailer approaching from the Kitale direction reportedly lost control.

The vehicle swerved off its lane and crashed into the group of bystanders. It also hit several parked motorcycles and private vehicles before finally coming to a stop.

The sudden impact caused panic and confusion. Some victims died on the spot while others were left with serious injuries.

Witnesses described the moment as terrifying, saying people scattered in different directions as the trailer barreled toward them.

Emergency responders and members of the public rushed to assist the injured before they were taken to Webuye County Hospital for treatment.

Police say the trailer driver is believed to have escaped from the scene shortly after the accident.

Webuye East Sub-County Police Commander Rosemary Odeke confirmed the incident and said officers had launched investigations to determine exactly what led to the crash.

“We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident,” she said.

The bodies of those who died were moved to the mortuary at Webuye County Hospital where they will remain pending identification and postmortem examinations.

The tragedy has left residents and boda boda operators in shock, with many calling for greater caution on the busy highway.

Police have urged motorists to drive carefully, especially at night, as investigations into the deadly crash continue.