Three killed in Homa Bay as matatu crashes into tractor

A traffic rule barring sugarcane tractors against operating on the roads before 6am has come under scrutiny following an accident that claimed three lives in Homa Bay County on Friday.

Three people died in the accident involving a matatu and a sugarcane tractor.

The accident happened between Mirogi trading centre and Ndhiwa.

According to Homa Bay police commander Marius Tum, the matatu rammed the tractor belonging to Sukari Industries as it tried to overtake it.

“The three died on the spot as the matatu tried to overtake the sugarcane tractor,” Mr Tum said.

SPPEEDING
Mr Tum could not immediately confirm if the tractor had gone against the traffic rule but said an investigation had been launched into the incident that happened moments after 6am.

“We are engaging the sugar company to investigate if the tractor could have been operating at odd hours,” he said, adding that the bodies were taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.

Those injured were taken to Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital and Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Mr Gordon Kouma, a witness, claimed the matatu was speeding before it got involved in the crash.

“We heard an explosion after the matatu rammed the tractor,” Mr Kouma said.

TRACTORS
The sugar company could not be reached for comment on the accident.

Recently, there have been crashes in the region with tractors accused of routinely flouting rules on sugarcane transportation.

Residents of Ndhiwa said the tractor drivers re mostly to blame for the increased crashes.

Mr Jacob Odero, a resident, said "They operate both day and night with faulty lights and mechanical problems".