Nairobi, July 1 (BNA): The Kenyan authorities confirmed today, Saturday, that the death toll from an accident in a Kenyan market has risen to 49, with 35 injured.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Morcomen toured the site of the accident – about 200 kilometers northwest of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi – on Saturday morning.
“Unfortunately, we have lost 49 people and their death has been confirmed,” he told reporters, according to the German News Agency (DPA).
He added that at least 35 people were receiving treatment at various hospitals for their injuries after a truck crashed into the market stalls of Lundiani on Friday evening.
The number could rise, according to E-Plus Ambulance Services, as some people are believed to still be in the wreck after heavy rain hampered rescue efforts.
The Kenya Red Cross launched an appeal for blood donations and announced that psychological support and tracing services are available to affected families.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences in a tweet and urged motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Morkomin said investigations into the cause of the accident are still ongoing.
Market stalls lining the country’s major highways are a common sight, with vendors setting up makeshift stands to display their wares.
Morkomin said the authorities will work to relocate these markets to prevent similar accidents in the future as well as improve safety measures on other roads.
FKN
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