A survivor of the ill-fated Modern Coast bus recounted the final moments leading to the crash in Nyakomisaro River in Masosa area, Kisii County that claimed one life.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, December 28, Nicholas Okeyo noted that some of the passengers were alighting from the Rongo bound bus before they heard a loud bang.
Presuming that it was the handbrake that had exploded, the passengers panicked as the bus began going in reverse at high speed.
"We were travelling from Mombasa to Rongo. At the time, the car was parked as passengers were alighting. Then suddenly, we heard a loud bang. I suspect that it was the handbrake that had exploded.
"So, we began going in reverse at high speed. While reaching this area, we collided with a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) that was also parked beside the road. The collision ultimately reduced our speed," he noted.
According to Okeyo, the bus, however, gained momentum and ultimately plunged into the river.
As the bus began filling with water, Okeyo affirmed that he sought for means to escape. Fortunately, he was rescued by a passer-by who stretched his hand from the window and pulled him to safety.
"..the people in the backseat were on the side of the bus which had plunged into the river. Thinking that I was in a dream, the bus began filling with water.
"My mission was to get out of the bus. Fortunately, in the scuffle, I found a passerby who had stretched his hand to help me get out, I informed him that other passengers were stuck inside. The majority of the passengers escaped safely," he narrated.
Preliminary reports had indicated that the bus veered off the road before plunging into the river.
According to Kisii Central police boss Amos Ambasa, one person succumbed while those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
