A driver who was plying the Machakos Kitu road on Monday, February 26, recounted the final moments of a Faith Safaris bus that lost control and veered into a ditch, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to 35 others.
While speaking to the press, the driver revealed that he was behind the bus and observed the bus driver encountering difficulty while negotiating a corner.
"The vehicle failed to negotiate the corner and landed in the ditch nearby," he stated.
The eyewitness who was heading to Katangi noted that he stopped his vehicle as the bus rolled and landed in a ditch. He wanted to offer help to those involved in the accident.
From the wreckage, he identified a teacher who was injured in the accident. He promptly cut his trip short and accompanied the victim to the hospital, along with others who had sustained both major and minor injuries.
"The bus was carrying different parcels, I saw charcoal scattered on the ground and a few passengers who were feared dead," he stated.
Following the accident, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has waived the hospital bills for the over 35 passengers who were injured in the grisly accident.
In an announcement made by the Health CEC Daniel Yumbya on Tuesday, all relatives of the victims were urged to seek counselling at the set desks.
Yumbya informed the press that the county had mobilised all medical officers who were off duty to ensure that no lives were lost while awaiting treatment at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital.
Meanwhile, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi extended his condolences to the families of the victims on Tuesday. He also commended the medical team for their prompt responses to the incident.
Other leaders from the county called up the government to ensure all vehicles especially public service vehicles have valid speed governors as the bus did not have one. They also asked the relevant authorities to ensure all PSVs are operating under a sacco.
The Monday evening accident occurred after the bus lost control and crashed on the side of the road. It is said to not only have been overloaded with passengers and charcoal but also speeding.
It was among the tragic accidents reported in February. Another was reported last week along the Katito-Kendu Bay highway in Nyakach, Kisumu County where seven people tragically lost their lives.
