A bus belonging to Nova Pioneer School overturned along Mombasa Road in the Sabaki area within Athi River, Machakos County, on Tuesday, March 25, 2024. The vehicle had schoolchildren on board at the time of the accident, prompting an immediate emergency response.
According to Athi River South Subcounty Police Commander Philis Muthoni, all the children were safely rescued and promptly taken to various hospitals within Athi River for medical assessment. “The children were rushed to various hospitals within Athi River. There were no fatalities,” Muthoni confirmed in a phone interview .
The accident was classified as a self-involved road incident, meaning no other vehicle was directly responsible for the overturning of the school bus. The circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear, with authorities yet to establish the precise cause. The bus was moving in the general direction of Mombasa when the incident occurred.
Following the accident, police and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of the children and assess the situation. The bus was later towed to the Athi River Police Station, where it will undergo a thorough inspection to determine any mechanical faults or other factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Parents and school officials have since been informed of the situation, with many expressing relief that no lives were lost. Nova Pioneer School, known for its high academic standards and modern learning approach, is expected to issue an official statement regarding the incident and any necessary safety measures that will be implemented moving forward.
This incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, particularly for school transportation. Authorities have urged schools and transport operators to ensure regular vehicle maintenance and driver assessments to prevent such accidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the affected students and ensuring that measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences. Road safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of school transport regulations to safeguard children during transit.
