More than 20 people have reportedly died following a horrific road accident involving a lorry in the Riverland area of Meru town, leaving residents shocked and families facing an agonising loss.
The accident is said to have occurred after an FTR lorry allegedly developed brake problems while travelling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into several vehicles and pedestrians.
According to preliminary reports, the lorry struck people who were going about their daily activities, turning an ordinary day into a devastating scene of destruction.
Some victims were reportedly walking home, while others were inside public service vehicles travelling towards Nkubu. Fruit vendors and boda boda operators waiting for customers were also among those caught up in the tragedy.
The reported death toll has raised serious concerns, although the exact number of people killed and injured had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Emergency responders and members of the public were expected to assist in rescuing survivors and transporting the injured to nearby health facilities for treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, including whether brake failure and speeding were the main causes of the accident. Investigators will need to establish what happened before the lorry struck the victims and whether any mechanical problems contributed to the disaster.
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers facing pedestrians, public transport passengers and roadside traders, particularly in busy towns where vehicles, motorcycles and people share limited space.
Road safety remains a major concern in Kenya, where serious crashes continue to claim lives and leave families struggling to cope with sudden losses.
Authorities are expected to establish the full extent of the damage and provide an official account of the incident as more information becomes available.
As the community awaits confirmed details, thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families, the injured and everyone traumatised by the incident.
The reported tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, responsible driving and strict enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent avoidable deaths.