Death toll has risen to 51 in a road accident along a busy highway in western Kenya on Friday evening which involved at least ten vehicles, local media reported Saturday.

The accident happened at around 6:30 p.m. local time when the driver of a truck lost control and the vehicle rammed into pedestrians, hawkers, and some vehicles parked by the roadside in Kericho County.

Local newspaper The Standard said at least 21 people sustained severe injuries and are receiving treatment at the Kericho County Hospital.

Kenyan leaders including President William Ruto expressed their condolences after the accident, which took place at a busy area known as Londiani junction. 

Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Twitter that the rescue efforts would be followed by investigations to determine the cause of the crash. 

According to the police, the truck was heading to Kericho Town before it lost control and veered off the road along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.

An estimated 3,000 Kenyans die in road accidents in Kenya annually despite concerted efforts by the state and the private sector to promote safety on the highways, according to the National Transport and Safety Authority.

(With input from agencies)