A survivor of the ill-fated Meru bound bus recounted the final moments leading to the crash in Subuiga area along the Isiolo - Meru highway that claimed twelve lives.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, October 9, the survivor noted that they were excited and exuberant about the adventure which was to culminate in Meru en route to a big concert.
The survivor noted that they had packed hand luggage, swimming costumes and personal effects. In addition, the bus was like an extension of a club with a DJ deck, screen monitors, sound systems and ample dancing space.
"We were on an adventure trip and we were excited," the survivor stated recounting the minutes before the accident occurred.
An eyewitness, Jacob Mwiti noted that they recovered beer cans and assorted liquor bottles at the scene of the accident.
"The bus had a club with seats, tables and a liquor section. The passengers appeared to have been partying,” he stated.
Buuri West deputy police boss Laura Khatiabi affirmed that the death toll had risen to 12 after another injured person succumbed at St Theresa Mission Hospital.
Preliminary reports indicated that the bus was overtaking another vehicle along a steep road before it collided with an oncoming matatu, and was subsequently hit by a trailer along the highway.
Eleven people died on the spot, including four people on the bus and seven on the matatu.
Another witness at the scene stated that police officers from the scene ferried eleven bodies, adding that he was lucky to be alive.
“It was by sheer luck that the bus did not run over me because I was so close. Fortunately, I heard a loud bang and dropped the firewood I was carrying and ducked. The bus hit the matatu and stopped after hitting a trailer,” the eyewitness stated.
