Several people are feared dead while others remain missing after a lorry carrying hawkers and pedestrians plunged into a river at Osiri Bridge in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County.
The accident occurred on the night of Wednesday, October 7, along the Osiri-Kalangi route, when the lorry reportedly lost control, veered off the road and plunged off the bridge into the River Migori/Kuja.
The crash left several people trapped in the wreckage, with some passengers reportedly swept into the river.
Others sustained serious injuries in the accident and were rushed to St Joseph Mission Hospital in Migori, where relatives and members of the public gathered as rescue and recovery efforts continued.
Initial reports indicated that some of the hawkers were travelling with their merchandise, including sacks and boxes, when tragedy struck.
Footage from the scene showed the lorry overturned, with personal belongings and goods scattered around the crash site.
The exact number of people who died or remain missing had not been officially confirmed as of Thursday morning, October 8, as emergency teams continued searching for victims and assessing the extent of the tragedy.
Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita expressed sorrow over the incident and sent condolences to families who may have lost loved ones while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
Nyamita also called on the government to fast-track construction and improvement works on Osiri Bridge, saying urgent intervention was necessary to safeguard motorists, traders, pedestrians and other residents who depend on the route.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of transport infrastructure in parts of Migori, particularly bridges and roads used by traders and residents moving between local markets and neighbouring areas.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the number of casualties as the rescue and recovery operation progresses.
