Residents mill around the wreckage of the matatu after the accident, December 6, 2017. [Photo|The Star]
Some 15 people escaped death by a whisker after the bus they were travelling in crashed into a lorry on the Nairobi-Nyeri Highway near Blue Post Hotel in Thika on Wednesday.
Seven people including the driver sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Thika Level Five Hospital while others were taken to the facility for minor injuries and shock.
The bus that belongs to UMOWA Sacco was headed to Ekalakala from Nairobi, and witnesses said that the accident was caused by a breakdown vehicle that was towing a lorry that had crashed in the same area.
"The breakdown driver was pulling the lorry carelessly without placing safety signs on the road, knowing very well this is a highway," Philip Kimemia, a bodaboda operator was quoted by the Star as saying.
He said the bus was speeding when rammed into the lorry from behind. The driver of the breakdown rushed from the scene after the accident.
"The bus driver has been trapped and a grinder had to be used to cut through the wreckage to save him," Paul Wamichwe another bodaboda rider said.
Others accused the bus driver of speeding as he was trying to evade traffic that extended from Gatitu Junction to Makongeni area.
A passenger who escaped unhurt confirmed that the bus was avoiding the traffic jam.
"We suddenly heard a loud bang and the next thing I realised was that the bus was reversing towards the river. Again I heard those who were in the front sears screaming and calling for help. The driver was avoiding traffic," the passenger told the Star.
Thika West OCPD Willy Simba last week asked drivers to be extra careful while driving along the road to avoid massive loss of lives during this festive season.
"I know many drivers want to take advantage of the many people going for holidays which makes them end up being careless on the roads. We shall be on the lookout to apprehend such drivers," he said.