Makueni: 5 Dead, 11 Rescued After Lorry They Were Travelling In Is Swept By Floods

• Five individuals lost their lives as a lorry, attempting to transport them across the flooded Muswii River, was swept away by the raging currents
• The locals had been stranded on the riverbanks as they awaited a decrease in water levels, but two lorries carrying ballast attempted to cross
• Witness reports indicate that after the first lorry crossed safely, residents boarded the second lorry, which went on to be swept away
• Kasikeu MCA Reuben Musau issued a warning to residents, urging them to avoid crossing flooded rivers during heavy rains to prevent further tragedies

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Makueni - Five people have been confirmed dead after a lorry that was trying to ferry them across the flooded Muswii River was swept away by the raging floods.

The residents revealed that they had been camping on the river's banks since morning, waiting for the water levels to drop.

However, during their wait, two lorries ferrying ballast tried to cross, with one driving to the other side of the river without issues.

It was then that the locals decided to board the ill-fated lorry that has so far claimed five lives as rescue operations continue.

"The situation was dire; the bridge had been closed, leaving people stranded since morning, waiting for the water level to decrease. Around 11am, two lorries arrived, carrying stones destined for Kasikeu. The first one crossed successfully, prompting others to follow suit and board the second lorry," said a witness.

They have called on the national government to work together and build a better bridge or construct barriers to the current one.

"This is a disaster, and we must address the issue with the bridge because the water flow here is often excessive," he added.

The Kenya Red Cross further revealed that those rescued had been rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

Makueni residents warned

Kasikeu MCA Reuben Musau appealed to the residents to exercise restraint and avoid crossing flooded rivers.

Musau revealed that he was travelling to another area with the same incident, urging the locals to keep safe during the rains.

"I'm warning the residents of Kasikeu because the rain continues to fall. They should avoid crossing the river recklessly," Musau said.

Chilling moment Makueni lorry is swept away

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported the moment raging flood waters swept the lorry with at least 10 people on board.

A horrifying video captured the heartbreaking moment the raging water swept the truck out of the flooded bridge.

In videos shared online, the lorry is captured loading passengers at the back as the other residents wait on the other side of the river.

After a short moment of hesitation, the lorry driver decides to drive through the swollen river as one of the passengers holds on to the tail light.

As they approached the centre of the river, the driver struggled to control the lorry as it encountered strong currents before.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.