New details have emerged regarding the accident involving a Modern Coast bus plunged into River Nithi along the Meru-Nairobi highway on Sunday, July 24.
According to Tharaka Nithi County Police Commander Donatha Chali, the driver of the bus approached the bridge at high speed and ignored the traffic signs alerting motorists to slow down.
She also pointed out that the bridge is a known black spot that has claimed many lives in the past. Media reports indicated that the bus’ brakes failed, causing the bus to hit the guard rails and plunge into River Nithi.
“Police officers will remain at the scene for the whole night to ensure that no person interferes with the scattered property until the operation resumes Monday morning,” she noted.
Eyewitnesses at the scene also corroborated the police account, noting that the ill-fated bus was at high speed before hitting the guard rail.
“The bus must have developed brake failure because it was moving at a very high speed when the accident happened,” a witness stated.
Kenya Red Cross Communications Manager, Peter Abwao also confirmed that those injured were recuperating at Chuka Level 5 hospital.
“The injured have been moved to Chuka Level 5 hospital and hospitals in Tharaka Nithi. The deceased have been taken to the funeral homes. The rescue efforts have been temporarily suspended due to darkness,” Abwao spoke to the media.
At the time of publishing this article, at least 24 people have been confirmed dead, according to Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora.
The Sunday evening accident saw the Mombasa-bound bus roll 40 metres down the river. Photos circulating online depicted the dire situation, showing a mangled wreckage, with the bus’ body and chassis completely ripped off.
First responders and witnesses were spotted trying to rescue the victims of the tragedy.
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