In a devastating incident early Friday morning, seven individuals lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Garissa-Mwingi highway near the Katumba Trading Center. Several others sustained injuries and have been rushed to various hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Incident Details
The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 AM when a Nissan UD bus, registered as KCZ 604A and operated by Al-Mukaram Bus Service Company, was en route from Garissa to Nairobi. The bus was carrying a total of 50 passengers at the time of the incident.
According to reports from traffic police at the scene, the driver, identified as Hassan Bura, attempted to overtake another vehicle but encountered an unidentified vehicle that did not yield. In an effort to avoid a potential head-on collision, Bura swerved back into his lane. Unfortunately, the bus collided with a stationary Mercedes-Benz trailer, registered as KBW 788H/ZG 0936, which was transporting gypsum from Garissa and had stalled on the road due to mechanical issues.
Casualties and Response
Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives in the collision, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees. Emergency response teams swiftly evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. The scene was attended to by traffic police officers who are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Road Safety and Investigation
Incidents like this underscore the importance of road safety measures and vigilance while driving, particularly on highways where such accidents can have devastating consequences. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with authorities working to establish the exact sequence of events and factors contributing to the collision.
The community and authorities extend their condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic accident. Efforts are underway to provide support to the injured and to assist families in coping with this profound loss. Traffic management measures are also being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting those affected by this heartbreaking event and ensuring that comprehensive measures are in place to enhance road safety across Kenya. The tragic loss of lives serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving practices and ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and emergency response capabilities nationwide.
