At least 13 people were rushed to the Coast General Hospital after a 52-seater Tahmeed bus crashed into a PSV matatu on Friday, April 4, at night.
According to witness accounts, the accident occurred around 1 a.m. when the bus, traveling from Mwembe Tayari, encountered mechanical issues while going uphill and rammed into a Mikindani matatu at the Kibarani Flyover.
The bus's brakes are said to have failed, causing it to reverse and hit the matatu, which belonged to the Miritini Sacco.
"Seated at the back of the matatu, I was watching the traffic when I suddenly saw a passenger jump off the bus. Instinctively, I followed and jumped off as well. It was only then that I realized the bus had crashed into the front part of our matatu. At the same time, a bodaboda rider and his pillion passenger narrowly escaped as they jumped before impact," narrated one of the survivors.
According to witnesses, the driver of the matatu is one of those injured. Most of the victims suffered head injuries and broken legs.
When this article was published, no deaths from the accident had been reported.
Speaking at the accident scene, the area MCA called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to be more vigilant and ensure that all vehicles on the road undergo servicing to avoid further accidents.
"I'd like to call on NTSA to ensure all vehicles undergo servicing before they use the road. This is an accident that could have been avoided if NTSA had been responsible enough to do their job," Manuari Seff Juma, the Chaani MCA, requested.
The MCA also urged drivers to exercise extra care when driving, especially during the long rainy season.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has been instructed to ensure the road is properly maintained to prevent future accidents.
The accident comes hours after several students sustained injuries in a separate accident at Witeithie, Kiambu County.
The students from Mugoiri Girls High School were traveling home for the April holidays when the matatu they were in lost control, veered off the road, and landed in a ditch.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, April 3, NTSA urged all stakeholders in the road transport sector to implement measures that enhance road safety.
