Five cheat death after lorry swept away by flash floods

flash floods isiolo

A past flash flood. Isiolo residents say the lorry had just dropped tens of people before attempting to cross the flooded lagoon. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

Five people, including a Form three student, escaped unhurt after a lorry they were traveling in was swept away by flash floods near Garbatulla Police Station, Isiolo County.

Police say the lorry had just dropped tens of people before attempting to cross the flooded lagoon.

Residents who witnessed the Wednesday accident say the five occupants sustained minor injuries, even though police maintained that no one was hurt during the incident.

Area Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi said the lorry driver travelling from Mandera to Meru was new to the route.

In the vehicle were two mechanics, a businessman, a Habaswein Boys High School student and the driver.

"The lorry had just dropped some passengers who did not want to cross the raging waters," said Mr Nyakundi.

After the incident, national government administrators and police officers rushed to the scene and rescued the five. They were rushed to Garbatulla Sub-County Hospital for a check-up before they were discharged, he said.

The administrator appealed to drivers to not cross flooded roads or swollen rivers.

"They should be mindful of the heavy downpour and wait until waters subside," Mr Nyakundi appealed.