Local transport and logistics company, Modern Coast, has issued a statement on a freak accident that saw a Mombasa-bound bus burn to the ground on Monday afternoon, December 28.
According to the operator, the bus had left Mumias for Mombasa when the unfortunate incident occurred along the Chavakali-Kapsabet Road.
Contrary to reports on social media, the bus was not involved in an accident but encountered a section that had been narrowed after two saloon cars had gotten into an accident.
As the driver manoeuvred out of the accident scene, the Modern Coast bus hit a pothole which triggered a small fire from the friction.
However, the situation quickly escalated after the fire hit the petrol that had spilt from the accident involving the two saloon cars.
"The bus had 20kg dry powder fire extinguisher which is suitable for burning solids and liquids, however, the crew could not manage the huge flame that was triggered by petrol spill from one of the cars," the logistics firm's statement read in part.
Fortunately, the driver was quick to alert the passengers who were all quickly rescued to safety. They were later transferred to another bus to continue with their journey to Mombasa.
Area assistant chief Clarence Imbamba, while confirming the incident, complained that the poor state of the road had contributed to the incident and a trail of other unreported accidents.
Residents have since called on the government to repair the pothole-infested highway.
The incident came a few days after a tragic accident ended the lives of four family members who were leaving Mombasa for their rural home in Kisii on Christmas Day.
In the accident, six people died on the spot, one succumbed to injuries while two others remain hospitalised in critical condition.
