Nairobi, Nov 29 (IANS): At least five church members were killed, and 45 others injured in a road accident in Siaya county in western Kenya, police confirmed Saturday.

Rarieda divisional police commander Johanna Chebii said the accident occurred along the Chianda-Okella un-tarmacked road in Rarieda area on Friday night.

"The driver of the bus lost control while trying to negotiate a corner before it rolled several times, killing five of the occupants on the spot," Xinhua quoted Chebii as saying. "It seems the bus driver did not notice the sharp bend since this was his first time in the area and he was speeding."

The bus driver fled from the scene immediately after the tragic accident, and the injured are under treatment in a local hospital.

Chebii said the deceased, who were members of the E-Father Ministries Church, were coming from Nairobi to the home of one of the members before the accident occurred at around 8 p.m.

"We have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the accident. We have also launched a manhunt for the driver who fled the scene," he said.

Chebii said they were yet to establish the identity of those who perished, and asked the public to volunteer information that will lead to the arrest of the bus driver.