9 Confirmed Dead, 2 Children Missing After Lorry Plunges Into Kwa Muswii River

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili revealed that 10 people were still missing, including two children.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 27, 2024 - 16:18 Updated: Apr 27, 2024 - 16:46
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9 Confirmed Dead, 2 Children Missing After Lorry Plunges Into Kwa Muswii River
Residents rushing to rescue ten people swept away by floods while attempting to cross river Muswii in Makueni County. /VIRAL TEA KE

Residents recovered 9 bodies on Saturday, April 27 from the Kwa Muswii River in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County after floods swept away a lorry ferrying sand.

Speaking to the press, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili revealed that 10 people were still missing, including two children.

Seven people have so far been rescued alive. Mulili further noted that the Kenya Red Cross and the Makueni County Department of Disaster Management had partnered to retrieve the bodies.

Communities living close to the river were also urged to report any bodies spotted floating on top of the water to ensure progress in the rescue efforts.

Residents rushing to rescue ten people swept away by floods while attempting to cross river Muswii in Makueni County. /VIRAL TEA KE

The latest developments came a day after the lorry with a group of more than 10 individuals seated on top of it rolled into the flooded river while attempting to cross it at the Sultan Hamud road in Makueni.

According to witnesses, the lorry was ferrying building material when people jumped onto it as it attempted to cross the flooded river.

The Muswii River which originates in Kajiado County, burst its banks, paralysing traffic along Kasikeu-Sultan Hamud.

Videos showed the lorry daring to cross the flooded river not knowing that it would be swept away by the raging waters.

In the midst of its crossing, the lorry became stuck inside the flooded waters in the middle of the river. It then accidentally slid into the deep end of the river before being entirely swept away with people onboard.

Following the incident, the victims could be captured attempting to brave the waters but were overwhelmed and swept away.

The tragic incident came even as the country continues to experience heavy rains and downpours, with the Ministry of Interior warning Kenyans including drivers and pedestrians against crossing flooded waters, especially during this rainy season.

Vehicles navigating flooded water along Thika Road in Nairobi. /KENYAN WALLSTREET