An overnight accident between a matatu and a school bus ferrying children on Friday, March 28, resulted in several deaths.
The head-on collision, which happened along the Molo-Keringet road, reportedly led to the deaths of the matatu driver and several passengers, with others injured. Conflicting reports indicated that the accident resulted in five deaths but the police are yet to confirm.
While it is unclear what led to the grisly accident, preliminary reports indicate the matatu driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend, resulting in the head-on collision.
The school bus was heading towards Keringet, and the matatu was heading towards Molo when the fatal accident occurred.
In the aftermath of the accident, eyewitnesses rushed to the scene and undertook rescue efforts. The bodies of the dead were reportedly taken to Keringet Sub-County Hospital, while the injured were taken to different hospitals.
In the incident confirmed by Molo Police Commander Timon Odingo, the pupils in the bus were fortunate not to sustain injuries.
Police officers were sent to probe the scene of the accident, which occurred in rainy conditions that hampered visibility and resulted in wet, slippery roads.
Kuresoi South Member of Parliament Joseph Tonui took to Facebook to condole with the victims of the accident while wishing a quick recovery to the injured.
“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic accident that involved a school bus and a PSV matatu at Kimalany Bridge, Keringet-Molo Road. It resulted in the loss of lives. This is a devastating loss to their families and our community,” he stated.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. To those who are injured, we pray for your quick recovery,” Tonui added.
The accident comes hot on the heels of a recent notice by the National Police Service to motorists on maintaining road safety as the country gears up for the busy Easter period.
The authorities revealed that they would commence a crackdown on matatus and the guilty parties would be dealt with accordingly.
While hinting at dire consequences, NPS also sent out a warning to school administrators about reckless driving of their vehicles, especially when ferrying students.
Even so, the police force stressed road safety as a shared responsibility, imploring drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic rules and regulations.
