Emergency teams are in a desperate race against time following a catastrophic accident on the Eldoret-Nakuru highway, involving multiple vehicles, including a Simba Bus.
The early morning crash on Saturday, August 24, has left scores injured, with many trapped in the wreckage.
The accident, which occurred near the Twin Bridge area, has sent shockwaves through the community. The Red Cross confirmed 44 injuries, with 14 individuals rushed to Molo Sub County Hospital and 30 others receiving treatment on-site.
The rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency responders working tirelessly to free those still trapped in the mangled wreckage of the bus.
Initial reports indicate that one person has died as a result of the accident. Police have verified the fatality, though the full extent of injuries and fatalities is still being determined. The busy highway has ground to a halt, with authorities advising motorists to seek alternative routes as the search and rescue operations continue.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have yet to release any concrete details. Kuresoi North Sub County Police Commander Juddah Gathenge has yet to issue an official statement, as the scene remains chaotic with rescue efforts ongoing.
A survivor who was on the bus from Bungoma to Nairobi described the harrowing moments leading up to the accident. “The bus was being driven safely and at full capacity until we reached a point where the speed accelerated and passengers started asking what could be the problem,” he recounted.
He described hearing a loud bang as the bus collided with a stationary truck, then hit another vehicle, veered off the road, and plunged into a river after hitting a guardrail. The survivor, who sustained head injuries along with his wife, reported that their two children were unharmed.
Another passenger, travelling from Uganda to Nairobi, shared a similar account. He left the Malaba border at around 10pm and was en route to a convention in Nairobi. “The journey was smooth and the driver was calm until the accident,” he said. Despite pain in his neck and bruises on his right hand, he expressed gratitude to the Red Cross and other agencies for their prompt rescue.
This morning's accident follows a similar tragic incident just days ago. On August 20, at least 13 people were killed and 36 injured in a crash on the same route. The Kenya Red Cross reported that the earlier accident involved a Coast bus and several other vehicles.
According to reports, the bus lost control after its brakes failed, resulting in a collision with other vehicles and eventually landing in a ditch. The scene was strewn with wreckage and personal belongings, with police clearing the road to restore traffic flow.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on rescuing survivors and providing medical care to those affected. The community and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and supportive as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating accident.
