HOMA BAY, Kenya — A family in Homa Bay County has been struck by tragedy after two relatives died in a road accident involving a vehicle in a funeral procession, while three others sustained serious injuries.
The crash occurred near Kaduogo trading centre along the Mbita–Homa Bay road as mourners were transporting the body of a relative from MED25 Kirindo Hospital mortuary in Mbita Sub-county to Kalamindi Village in Ndhiwa.
One of the victims, 37-year-old Austine Ochieng, died at the scene, while an unidentified boy succumbed to injuries shortly after being rushed to hospital.
According to Central Kanyabala Sub-location Assistant Chief Rose Abot, the vehicle lost control and rolled, throwing the two victims out before running over them.
“The impact of the accident threw Ochieng and the boy out of the vehicle before the vehicle ran over them,” she said.
Ochieng was pronounced dead on the spot, while the boy died minutes later upon arrival at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Three other passengers sustained serious injuries and were admitted at the same facility. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Vincent Oduor said the injured were responding well to treatment.
“The boy died on arrival in the hospital. Our health workers are handling the three patients and they are all out of danger,” Dr Oduor said.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital mortuary as investigations into the cause of the accident begin.
Local authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly during funeral processions, which often involve multiple vehicles travelling in convoy.
“I advise road users to abide by traffic rules at all times,” Abot said.
As the family mourns, the tragedy underscores the risks associated with road travel, even during solemn occasions, and the need for heightened vigilance among motorists.
