Several people are feared dead while others are missing after a lorry carrying hawkers reportedly lost control and 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, with reports indicating that the lorry reportedly veered off the road before plunging into the river.

Several passengers and pedestrians are feared to have been trapped in the vehicle following the crash, while others sustained serious injuries from the crash.

Following the accident, emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene as efforts to locate the missing victims and rescue those trapped in the river continued.

Several injured victims were reportedly rushed to St Joseph Mission Hospital in Migori for treatment following the accident.

The exact number of people who died or remain missing was yet to be confirmed as rescue teams continued with the recovery operation.

Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita expressed remorse over the accident, sending condolences to families who lost their loved ones while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident reported last night at Osiri Bridge along River Migori/Kuja, involving a lorry carrying hawkers and pedestrians,” Nyamita said.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. To those currently receiving treatment in hospital, I wish you strength and a speedy recovery,” he added.

Nyamita also called on the government to expedite construction works on the bridge, citing the need for a safer and more reliable crossing for residents and motorists using the route.

The latest accident comes barely a week after 17 people were killed in a grisly multi-vehicle crash at Salama in Makueni County along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

The Salama accident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 3, after a lorry reportedly lost control following brake failure and rammed into several vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu, with seven other victims rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital.

The rising number of road crashes has renewed concerns over road safety in Kenya, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reporting 9,002 road accident deaths in 2026 between January and October.