Six school children killed in a road accident in Kitui

By Antynet Ford

Six school-going children were killed this morning in a hit-and-run accident at Wiitu Shopping Centre along the Kitui-Kibwezi road.

Three of the kids were in primary school while three were secondary kids, all schooling at Kyaoni primary and secondary schools; the police said.

National Police Service spokesperson Resila Onyango said the victims included five girls.

She said the incident happened at about 6.20 am as the children were crossing to their school.

“They died on the spot and police are handling the matter.” The police spokesperson said.

Ikutha Deputy County Commissioner Vincent Lomachary, said the learners were knocked down by a Probox salon car while crossing the road.

He said preliminary findings show the car was speeding at the time of the accident.

He termed the incident tragic.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before later surrendering himself to Mutomo Police Station.

He was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded as investigations into the incident continued, police said.

This is the latest such accident to happen in the country amid calls to address the menace.

Fatal accidents have been on the rise amid efforts to address the trend.

Up to 4,000 people are killed annually in separate accidents.

Many others are left with injuries in the incidents that harm families.

Some of the accidents remain unsolved, officials say. There are efforts to address the accidents.

The National Transport and Safety Authority says the leading causes of fatal crashes included hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.