Update: Makueni County Police Commander, Joseph Napeiyan updated Kenyans.co.ke that 40 out of the 46 passengers rescued from a PSV, which had been submerged in swollen River Kyamela, Makueni County, were students from Lukenya University who were heading to Nairobi for vacation. The other 4 were ordinary travellers alongside the conductor and driver.
The driver of the bus had received a tip-off that there was heavy traffic along the Mombasa - Nairobi Highway which had been caused by a truck that had dropped a container on the road.
He decided to use a diversion at Emali Trading Centre, to connect to Machakos Road, via Kalamba.
The police boss further stated that according to the passengers, they heckled and complained to the driver the river posed a danger, however, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Unfortunately, the vehicle plunged straight into the river, and the driver has been reported missing after fleeing.
Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood had the passengers’ cries for help and rushed to rescue the victims. Only minor injuries were reported.
A bus ferrying 46 passengers was submerged in floodwaters along Kalamba Road in Makueni County on Friday, December 6, 2019.
The ill-fated public service vehicle was on its way to Mtito Andei before it was caught in the quagmire of the heavy rains and floods.
The state of the passengers is yet to be determined as Makueni County Police Commander Joseph Napeiyan, told Kenyans.co.ke on the phone that the Police boss Francis Gichuhi was dispatched to the ground to find out the state of the victims and update relevant parties as the story develops.
Incidences of floodwaters causing damage to property has been on the rise in the country during this festive season.
On Wednesday, December 4, six vehicles and a motorcycle were swept by floodwaters along Kangundo Road in Nairobi.
Kayole Sub-county Police Commander Wilson Kosgei told the media that the vehicles included two buses, one mini-bus, two saloon cars, one pick-up.
A police chopper that responded to the incident captured a moving scenario that showed homes submerged in floodwaters.
The helicopter rescued at least four people, including a disabled woman. Many motorists spent the night on the road after police blocked traffic to prevent the loss of lives.
The Kenya National Highways Authority issued a warning to motorists following the unfortunate incident in a post shared on Facebook.
"The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to advice motorists to be careful as they cross any river bridge in the country during this rainy season.
"In Lower Eastern, motorists should not attempt to cross River Galole at Waldena along the Mutomo – Waldena (B88) Road, rivers Kololo, Kalavati and Enziu on Mwitika-Endau-Twambui (B87) road.
"KeNHA is closely monitoring the entire road network for any incidence and will issue necessary advisories.
Motorists are advised not to attempt to cross any topped river crossing or drift and to be vigilant while using the roads," read a statement from acting Assistant Director of Corporate Communications Clara Ouko.
