The only survivor from the matatu involved in a head-on collision along Nairobi-Mombasa highway opened up on Sunday, July 10, on what transpired before the Friday, July 8 crash.
Speaking to the press while in her hospital bed, Pamela Chae, aged 21, noted that the driver had attempted to veer off the highway when he noticed the oncoming lorry.
However, the driver of the matatu miscalculated, since he was overtaking at a known back spot, against traffic rules.
“God has given me a second chance. The driver tried to veer off the road when he saw the incoming lorry but it was too late,” Chae told the Standard.
She further noted that she was among the eight members of her church, the Mgeno Pefa Church in Mwatate, who were heading to Mombasa for a wedding function.
Chae lost her four-year-old son in the 6pm accident that also left her paralysed after sustaining severe injuries on her limbs.
Speaking to the media outlet, Chae's husband was grateful that his wife survived the ordeal and would break the news of their son's demise after her condition gets better.
“I’ve lost my son but I still thank God for saving my wife. She is still in pain and I do not know how she will handle the sad news.
"I’ll first find the body of my son which I’m told was collected from the scene before I decide when I will inform her," the husband stated.
The accident, which claimed 18 lives, occurred after a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) collided with a truck at Taru, Kwale County.
Preliminary reports released by the police indicated that the accident happened when the matatu driver was overtaking at the black spot.
Chae is admitted at Mariakani District Hospital where she is still recuperating.
