Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-12 17:19:12
Investigators are currently working to piece together the events that led to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizamana. The accident occurred on Sunday night, leaving the world in mourning for the promising internationally acclaimed Kenyan athlete.
The traffic inspection team began analyzing the mechanical condition of the ill-fated Toyota Premio-Registration No KDL 566F, the vehicle that was involved in the accident. This analysis aims to uncover possible leads on what could have happened before Kiptum lost control and veered off the road.
By the end of the day, the investigators had not shared any preliminary findings, stating that it would be premature to do so. According to the police report, Kiptum, his coach, and a female companion were traveling from Eldoret to Eldama Ravine when the accident occurred at 11 pm, near Flax Centre in Kaptagat area, along the Eldoret-Ravine Road. Kiptum was driving the blue Toyota, with the two passengers on board being Gervais and the woman identified as Sharon Chepkirui Jepkosgei.
The Elgeyo Marakakwet County Commander, Peter Mulinge, reported that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and land in a ditch about 60 meters away, before hitting a large tree. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was towed to Kaptagat Police Station, where an assessment was carried out on Sunday morning.
A survivor of the accident, Sharon, was traced by the police at her Kipgorot home on Monday. She was in the company of her parents and close relatives and had been treated and discharged from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). According to the hospital records, she suffered minor bruises and soft tissue injuries, with a stitch on her head and bruises on her arm.
Aside from the mechanical assessment of the vehicle, investigators will be relying on the post-mortem reports of both the athlete and his coach for further clues, as well as speaking to witnesses who arrived at the scene first. Sharon informed the police that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle and alerted him to the situation, but by then, it was too late, and they landed in a ditch.
Commander Mulinge emphasized that the inspection report and the doctor’s post-mortem report will provide more insight into the accident, urging the completion of investigations before making any conclusions.
Mourners visited the scene of the tragic accident throughout the day, observing firsthand the wreckage of the vehicle and paying their respects to the world-celebrated athlete. The somber atmosphere extended to Kiptum’s home and the hospitals where his body lay and where it was later transferred.
Kiptum, 24, tragically passed away just a week after his world marathon record of 2:00:35 was ratified by World Athletics. He had been preparing to participate in the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year, aiming to run under two hours. He is survived by his wife and two children aged seven and four.
The world mourns the loss of a promising athlete who had achieved international acclaim and was poised for further success in his career. As the investigation continues, many are left grieving the untimely loss of Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizamana.
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