By Erick Otieno
Two people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after a vehicle carrying traders from Macalder Market plunged into River Migori at Migori Bridge in Macalder Kanyarwanda Ward, Nyatike Sub-County, on Wednesday night.
The traders were reportedly travelling home from Macalder Market when the vehicle lost its brakes while approaching the bridge, causing it to plunge into the river.
The incident was confirmed by Kalangi Sub-location Assistant Chief Margaret Atieno.
Migori County Governor Dr George Ochilo Ayacko sent his condolences and sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones in the accident, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Governor Ayacko called on the Kenya Roads Board and other relevant road agencies to urgently repair the bridge and address safety concerns along the road to prevent similar accidents in the future.
He also urged matatu operators to ensure their vehicles are properly serviced and maintained before putting them on the road.
The governor further cautioned passengers against boarding vehicles that are already carrying their maximum capacity, saying adherence to road safety measures was critical in preventing loss of life.
Governor Ayacko also urged residents to exercise extra caution during the rainy season, particularly as the country braces for El Niño rains, which could worsen road and transport-related risks.
One of the survivors, Evelyn Adhiambo Olima, narrated the ordeal, saying the passengers were caught unaware when the vehicle lost its brakes as they approached Migori Bridge.
“When we approached Migori Bridge, we suddenly found ourselves in River Migori after the vehicle lost its brakes,” Olima said.
A total of 30 people were received at Migori County Referral Hospital following the accident.
According to information from the hospital, 23 patients who sustained minor tissue injuries were treated and discharged, while seven others remained at the facility undergoing treatment.
Governor Ayacko also pledged to explore ways through the county government to support traders who lost their businesses and property in the accident, noting that their businesses were their main sources of livelihood.
Meanwhile, Nyatike politician and IT expert Engineer Shadrack Omondi Anyuo expressed his condolences to the affected families and called for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and road networks across all sub-counties.
Anyuo said the accident highlighted the need for both levels of government to ensure that health facilities were adequately equipped and road networks improved so that residents could access emergency services at the nearest health facility whenever disasters occurred.
He said reliable healthcare services at the sub-county level, coupled with safe and functional road networks, would help reduce the impact of emergencies and save lives.
The accident has renewed calls for improved road safety and emergency response systems in Nyatike, particularly in areas where residents depend on roads and bridges that can become hazardous during periods of heavy rainfall.
