ECDE teacher among accident victims after lorry plunges into River Kuja

An Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teacher is among several pedestrians yet to be accounted for after a lorry lost control and plunged into River Kuja, in an accident that sent pedestrians scrambling for safety.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Osiri Bridge in Uriri Sub-County, along the Migori-Awendo highway. According to police sources, the truck, which was carrying passengers and goods on top, was heading towards Migori from Kisumu when it lost control while approaching the bridge. The driver reportedly failed to brake in time, hitting several pedestrians walking along the bridge before the vehicle plunged over the rails into the river.

More than 17 people were involved in the accident. Two people died on the spot, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Migori County Referral Hospital and Awendo Sub-County Hospital. The heavy current in the river hampered rescue operations.

Speaking to Education News, the teacher's brother-in-law, Duncan Odhiambo, said she was among those hit and pushed by the crowd as people scampered for safety. He appealed to members of the public to help trace her and inform the family.

"We are asking anyone who may have seen her after the accident to please inform us and help return her home. She was near the bridge when the lorry lost control," Odhiambo said.

Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita expressed deep concern over the accident and sent condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Speaking in Awendo town, Nyamita called on the police and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident.

"I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This is a tragic loss. I am calling on the police to investigate the real cause of this road accident involving a truck that lost control and plunged into River Kuja from over the bridge," he said.

Nyamita also urged drivers to exercise caution while approaching Osiri Bridge, which he described as a blackspot, and called on the county government to erect proper signage and guardrails to prevent future accidents. Police have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.