Fresh details have emerged on a grisly accident that happened at Taru, Kwale County on Friday, July 9 evening that claimed the lives of 18 people.
It was revealed that eight of those who perished were from the same village - Mwatate, Taita Taveta county and were heading to a friend's wedding in Mombasa county.
Speaking to KTN News on Saturday, July 9, family members disclosed that the eight decided to board the same Matatu since they were headed to the same event.
Some of the bereaved families also divulged that they escaped death by a whisker as they were to join their family members along the way.
"What happened is very tragic. We have already identified the bodies of four of our community members while others were taken to Kinango hospital. It is really difficult for us because identifying them is so emotional.
"My cousin and my niece were in that vehicle and I was called this morning by my uncle who informed me of their sudden demise. It is traumatising for me because I later saw images online and positively identified my cousin," a family representative stated.
Additionally, the families called on well wishers to offer psychological support even as they stated that the burial preparations were taking a toll on them.
"I do not think that it was the intention of the driver to cause the accident but it is important for all mototorists to observe the traffic laws so as to project other Kenyans from being subjected to what we are going through," another family member stated.
After the accident, police blamed the Matatu driver for overtaking at a wrong point as it was revealed that it was a blind spot.
Further it was revealed that there were only two survivors from the crash and were admitted at the Mariakani hospital in critical condition.
"The preliminary incident report indicates that this tragedy and the senseless loss of lives could have been avoided if the matatu driver had maintained lane discipline. All evidence points to the fact that the driver was overtaking on a continuous yellow line at the time of the crash," the police stated.
