Football Players Cheat Death in Harrowing Collision Along Kitale-Lodwar Road
Several football players narrowly escaped death after the van they were traveling in was involved in a road accident along the busy Kitale-Lodwar highway on Sunday morning. The players were returning home from a league match when the Turkrift Shuttle they were aboard collided with another vehicle at Karoge Centre in Turkana South.
The accident left several of the players injured, with some losing consciousness due to the force of the collision. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported at the scene, which is a relief given the severity of the crash.
Images and videos taken from the crash site depict a harrowing scene, with some of the stunned passengers aboard the van sitting on the ground, seemingly processing the traumatic event. Others were seen lying on the ground, waiting for medical assistance to arrive.
In an official statement, the football club confirmed the accident, assuring the public that the injured players were being provided with medical attention at nearby healthcare facilities. The statement read:
“We regret to inform you with sorrow that some of our players have been involved in a road accident, a collision between two vehicles. A few of them are currently unconscious, but we thank God there have been no fatalities. They have all been rushed to the hospital and are receiving the necessary medical attention.”
The club further urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident, emphasizing that any updates would be communicated through the club’s official social media platforms.
Among the players involved, the goalkeeper was reported to have sustained particularly concerning injuries. As a result, he was promptly transferred to the Lodwar County and Referral Hospital for further medical attention. His condition remains a cause for concern, given the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
This accident occurred just weeks after another tragic incident involving a 14-seater matatu, which was transporting several students. The vehicle, which was traveling in Witeithie, Kiambu County, also lost control, leading to an accident that left the passengers injured. The learners, who were believed to be from Mugoiri Girls High School, were returning home for their April holidays when the matatu veered off the road and landed in a ditch. While the exact number of injured students has not been confirmed, no fatalities have been reported from the incident.
Such accidents, particularly those involving smaller vehicles, have increasingly been attributed to human error, especially reckless driving. According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), human error is often the leading cause of road accidents in Kenya, with a significant number of collisions occurring due to reckless driving practices.
The NTSA has also raised concerns about the rising number of road fatalities in the country. In the 2024/25 financial year, approximately 12 people have been losing their lives every day due to road accidents. This statistic highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and increased public awareness regarding responsible driving.
One of the primary contributing factors to such accidents is overtaking at undesignated areas. Many drivers often attempt to overtake other vehicles in areas where it is not safe, significantly increasing the risk of collisions. In some cases, drivers may be forced to swerve off the road to avoid hitting an oncoming vehicle, resulting in further accidents. These reckless driving behaviors have become an alarming trend, exacerbating the already dire situation on Kenyan roads.
The Kitale-Lodwar highway, where the recent football players’ accident occurred, is a major transport route connecting several towns in the region. The highway is known for heavy traffic, and its condition often worsens during rainy seasons, making it more prone to accidents. In addition to reckless driving, poor road infrastructure and inadequate signage in some areas contribute to the high risk of collisions on this and similar roads across the country.
In response to the growing concerns surrounding road safety, the government and various road safety organizations have called for more stringent measures to curb the rising number of accidents. These measures include increased enforcement of traffic laws, better driver education, and the installation of safety features such as road signs, traffic lights, and speed bumps in high-risk areas.
In conclusion, the recent road accident involving football players serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the pressing need for better road safety practices. While no lives were lost in this particular incident, the situation could have been far worse, highlighting the fragility of life on the roads.
The public must remain vigilant and responsible when using roadways, and authorities must continue working towards reducing the alarming rate of accidents on Kenyan roads. The football players, as well as other accident victims, deserve our thoughts and support as they recover from their injuries.
Photo Lokichar TV
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Football Players Cheat Death in Harrowing Collision Along Kitale-Lodwar Road
