A tragic road accident in northwest Kenya has claimed at least 13 lives and left 36 others injured. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
The accident took place around 5 a.m. local time when a Coast Bus, en route from Kisumu to Mombasa, lost its brakes while navigating a steep stretch of road. The bus then collided with barriers and other vehicles before finally plunging into a ditch, according to Xinhua news agency.
The commuter bus was carrying approximately 51 passengers at the time of the crash. According to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), “Thirty-six injured individuals have been taken to Molo and Coptic Hospitals following a road traffic incident involving a PSV bus and multiple vehicles at Migaa in Molo, Nakuru County.”
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Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati confirmed that among the deceased were an infant, five women, and seven men. The survivor described the bus as having mechanical issues from the start of the journey. The bus had reportedly stopped in Kericho at 1 a.m. for repairs after passengers complained about its condition.
She explained that the brake system failed later on, causing the driver to lose control. The bus hit a Toyota Passo, then crashed into a culvert, and finally landed in a ditch. The survivor recounted the chaos, stating that passengers were screaming.
Ombati noted that fatal accidents are frequent in Kenya due to reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and drunk driving. He urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, to prevent road carnage. He emphasized the importance of ensuring vehicles are in good condition before starting a journey.
The police will investigate the exact cause of the accident, including a thorough inspection of the damaged bus. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Molo District Hospital Mortuary.
