Lorry Ferrying 10 Swept Away Trying To Cross Flooded River In Makueni [VIDEO]

UPDATE: Kenya Red Cross reveals that seven people have been rescued and promptly taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital following the incident. This is as its response efforts remain ongoing.

At least 10 people are feared dead after a lorry transporting them was swept away by floods while trying to cross the Muswii River in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County.

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

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

Here is the video:

Lorry ferrying over 10 people swept away by flooded River Kwa Muswii at Kasikeu area, Sultan Hamud. pic.twitter.com/kY6tVu6pOE — Seth Olale (@SethOlale) April 26, 2024

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 clip of the lorry crossing the flooded river on the shallow end captured a group of individuals of more than ten in number seated on top of it.

Horrified residents watched as others mobilised attempts to rescue the victims swept away by the floods.

“In Sultan Hamud, Makueni County, a distressing incident has occurred: a lorry ferrying people was swept away by raging waters. We are at the scene and actively responding to the situation,” Kenya Red Cross stated in response to the incident.

Viral Tea understands that more than half have since been rescued even as rescue operations continue.

In a similar incident on November 24, 2023, eight people were swept away while attempting to cross a swollen River Muooni on their way from Kavuthu to Mutyambua.

The 8 were part of a team that was travelling back from First Lady Rachel Ruto's 14th Anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) held in Kasarani Stadium.

"I have been informed that the members travelling back from the Joyful Women 14th Anniversary celebrations held at Kasarani Stadium on 23rd November 2023, were swept away while trying to cross River Muooni on foot," stated First Lady Rachel Ruto in response to the incident.

The First Lady went on to add "On my behalf and that of Joyful Women Organization, I sincerely express my utmost sympathies to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends at this difficult time."

Viral Tea learnt that the incident occurred at around 10 pm as the eight attempted to cross the river which was already overrun by the floods.

An image of flooded waters at River Muooni along Kavuthu-Mutyambua Road. /CITIZEN DIGITAL