Kismayo (WDN) – At least four civilians were killed and another seriously injured after a military truck belonging to Somali National Army forces operating in Jubaland reportedly veered off the road and crashed into a group of civilian workers near Kismayo on Tuesday, according to reports from local media and eyewitnesses.

The fatal incident occurred on the road linking Kismayo Airport with the Haadweyne Water Company facilities, an area where utility workers were carrying out maintenance on the city’s water infrastructure.

Witnesses told local media that the military vehicle was traveling at high speed when the driver allegedly lost control, causing the truck to leave the roadway and plow directly into workers repairing water pipelines along the roadside. The impact was devastating.

Employees of Haadweyne Water Company confirmed that four workers were killed instantly, while another sustained serious injuries and was rushed for medical treatment. “The truck suddenly came off the road and struck the workers without warning,” one eyewitness reportedly said, describing scenes of panic and devastation as bystanders rushed to assist the victims.

The victims were reportedly engaged in routine maintenance work on water supply pipes when the accident occurred, leaving colleagues and residents in shock.

The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about road safety involving military vehicles operating in civilian areas, particularly around populated urban centers where speeding and inadequate traffic controls can have deadly consequences.

As of publication, no official statement had been issued by the Somali National Army or relevant government authorities explaining the cause of the crash, the condition of the military driver, or whether an investigation has been launched.

The absence of an immediate official response is likely to fuel calls for accountability from victims’ families and local residents, who are demanding answers over how a routine day’s work ended in such a devastating loss of life.

The incident has cast a shadow over Kismayo, where many residents are mourning the deaths of workers who were simply carrying out essential public service duties when disaster struck.

WardheerNews