11 killed, scores injured as bus collide with truck

Eleven people died and scores seriously injured in a road accident along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway on Thursday night.

Police and witnesses said eight passengers died on the spot while three others succumbed to injuries at Moi District Hospital.

The bus and trailer drivers were among those killed in the Ndii area near Voi town. The stretch is a black spot.

On Friday, Taita OCPD Samson Kiine said 22 people were seriously injured in the 7pm incident.

“Nine people have so far died in the road accident and 22 others seriously injured and admitted to Voi District hospital,” said Mr Kiine.

A witness, who identified himself as Mwangi said he counted 10 bodies at the scene, while the eleventh victim reportedly died in hospital.

Mr Kiine said the bus belonging to the Star Ways Bus Company, was traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi, while the lorry was heading to Mombasa.

The police officer said the bus driver swerved to avoid hitting a stationary lorry along the highway but collided with truck.

“It appears the bus driver was speeding hence causing the accident. We are however still investigating the cause of the accident,” he told The Standard On Saturday.

He said careless driving was responsible for many road accidents and warned motorists found flouting traffic rules, would face the full force of the law.

The accident comes barely a month after 29 passengers, sustained serious injuries when their bus collided with a trailer at Taita village along the highway during the Christmas festive. More than 3,000 Kenyans die annually from road accidents.

Meanwhile, an aspirant for the TNA nominations in Ndaragwa died after he was involved in an accident along Nyahururu-Nyeri road.

Kennedy Wambugu, who was vying for Kiriita pondo county ward representative died after his vehicle rolled at Kianugu area.

Wambugu,30, was heading to Leshau from Ndaragwa tallying center in preparation for the TNA nominations. He was following up the ballot papers from the station.

According to Nyandarua OCPD Benjamin Onsongo, the vehicle he was in had a tyre burst and rolled.

Two people who he was with, among them his brother, sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged from Nyahururu District Hospital.

The incident has caused shock among voters who expressed sympathy to his family.

“It is a big loss to us since he is the person that we were voting for. We are now confused on who to vote for the seat,” said Lucy Njoki, a voter.

Friday 18 January 2013

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