Mayo GP speaks of shock following horror crash in Kenya
ONE of Mayo’s best known GPs has spoken of her deep upset and shock following one of Kenya’s worst ever road tragedies.
A lorry carrying a shipping container lost control and crashed, wiping out several other vehicles, the many roadside stalls and people waiting to make their way home. The death toll stands at 52, with hundreds more injured.
The devastating crash happened at Londiani Junction, a bustling intersection with roadside vendors, people waiting on transport from buses and motor bikes, hawkers selling roasted maize and fruit to passing motorists.
Achill-based Dr. Noreen Lineen Curtis, who has strong connections with an Irish charity working in partnership with local communities in the region, said she is devastated by this ‘horrible, awful tragedy’.
She said: “This news came as a thunder bolt to many people in Mayo who have been to the fore of fundraising efforts for the people in this particular region. We are all sickened and deeply sad as we know the area and its people and the people behind Brighter Communities Worldwide who work so hard in the region.
“Having visited the area some years ago with Brighter Communities Worldwide, I know how wonderful the people in the area are and how close a community it is.
“Mayo has many close links with Londiani and the surrounding hospitals. Our hospital here in Mayo has a very direct link to Londiani in that student doctors and nurses go on visits there and volunteer. So many of us have witnessed the impact of Brighter Community Worldwide’s 20-year commitment to long-term positive change in Western Kenya, as its health, education and economic empowerment programmes build up sustainable communities in the face of ongoing adversity for the country.
“This is a big shock as so many of the people have had their livelihoods wiped out as a result of this horror crash.”
She added: “Brighter Communities Worldwide is working hard to give help to those working with the injured and bereaved, and I hope the people of Mayo will respond generously to the relief fund. It is the worst road crash ever in the area, it is beyond belief.”
Confirming that all Brighter Communities Worldwide staff are safe, Maria Kidney, co-founder of the charity, said: “We have all have spent today supporting the emergency response at Londiani Sub-County Hospital. This includes logistical support, caring for the families as they wait for news of their loved ones, provision of tents, food, water, PPE, resources to the hospital team and working with the Red Cross. They are also setting up a blood bank in Londiani so that people can donate.
“The hospital and health staff are traumatised. Some families have lost both parents, which is heartbreaking.
“Getting through this tragedy won’t be easy and resources are just not there. But we have been working with the communities in this area for over 20 years. The strong partnerships and programmes we have in place will help support them through these dark times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families of the bereaved and injured.
“We have set up an appeal to support the communities and the emergency response. Please donate via via our website https://www.brightercommunities.org/ or https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/72351.