A night of football and social gathering ended in tragedy at the Lions Club in Chimoi, along the Eldoret-Webuye highway, after a speeding truck lost control and crashed into the popular entertainment joint on the evening of Tuesday, April 8.
The horrific accident, which occurred at around 9 p.m., claimed the lives of several patrons, including the club’s owner, Enock Kaliamba. Eyewitnesses say the truck, believed to have been transporting cement, veered off the road and ploughed into the club just as patrons were watching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The impact of the crash destroyed a large section of the building, trapping several people under the rubble. Rescue efforts were hampered by crowds that flocked to the scene, with some individuals seen looting bags of cement that had spilled from the truck.
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Local authorities and emergency responders arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations and secure the area. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, but initial reports indicate multiple fatalities and injuries.
Residents have expressed outrage over the increasing number of accidents along the busy Eldoret-Webuye highway, calling on the government to enhance safety measures, including speed checks and better signage in densely populated areas.
Enock Kaliamba, the club’s owner, has been mourned by friends and community members as a charismatic entrepreneur who built the Lions Club into a popular local hangout spot.
Police have launched investigations into the incident to determine the cause of the crash and whether the truck was in proper mechanical condition.