Tragic Accident at Dongo Kundu Bridge: 19-Year-Old Missing After Falling into Indian Ocean

On Saturday evening, a 19-year-old man, identified as Mwandia Mwatela, tragically fell off the Dongo Kundu Bridge in Likoni, Mombasa County, and drowned in the Indian Ocean. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. as Mwatela was crossing an unused lane of the elevated highway.

According to the Vijiweni Police Station OCS, Mwatela was navigating the bridge when he accidentally fell through an incomplete section. “As he crossed over to the other side, unfortunately, he landed through the incomplete section into the Indian Ocean,” the OCS reported. The circumstances leading to the fall are still under investigation, and police are trying to piece together the events that led to the tragic accident.

The Dongo Kundu Bridge, a key infrastructure project intended to alleviate traffic congestion in Mombasa, has faced delays and construction challenges. The bridge, once completed, is expected to provide a crucial link between the southern and northern parts of Mombasa, significantly easing transportation across the region. However, the incomplete sections of the bridge, which remain a safety concern, were not adequately secured, contributing to the risk faced by pedestrians and motorists.

Emergency services, including local police and the Coast Guard, were promptly dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident. As night fell, a search operation was initiated to recover Mwatela’s body. The Coast Guard has been actively involved in combing the waters of the Indian Ocean near the bridge, while police officers from Vijiweni station are assisting in the search efforts.

Witnesses at the scene described a frantic situation as Mwatela fell through the bridge. “It happened so fast,” said one witness. “We saw him trying to cross and then suddenly he was gone. It’s very upsetting.” The bridge’s incomplete state and lack of safety measures for pedestrians have been criticized by locals, who have raised concerns about the risks posed by the ongoing construction work.

The tragic event has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from the community, with many expressing their condolences to Mwatela’s family. “It’s a very sad situation,” said a local resident. “Our thoughts are with Mwandia’s family during this difficult time. We hope that his body will be found soon so they can have closure.”

The accident has also prompted calls for a review of safety protocols on construction sites, particularly those involving high-risk infrastructure projects. Many argue that the authorities must ensure that all safety measures are in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

In response to the incident, local leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mwatela’s fall. They emphasize the need for urgent improvements to the safety measures at the Dongo Kundu Bridge to prevent similar accidents.

As the search for Mwatela’s body continues, the community remains hopeful that his family will soon have the closure they need. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards in construction projects and ensuring the well-being of both workers and the public.

This unfortunate event highlights the critical need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance in the management of infrastructure projects to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of all those who interact with these crucial structures.