At least ten people were rushed to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital last night following a collision between a 52-seater Tahmeed bus and a public service vehicle (PSV) matatu.
According to an eyewitness, Festal Mwasi, the accident occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. at the Kibarani Flyover. The Tahmeed bus, route from Mwembe Tayari, reportedly experienced mechanical failure while ascending the flyover and subsequently collided with a matatu from the Mikindani route, operated by the Miritini Sacco.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus’s brakes may have failed, causing it to reverse and strike the front of the matatu.
“I was seated at the back of the matatu, observing the traffic, when I suddenly saw a passenger leap from the bus,” recounted Mr. Mwasi. “Instinctively, I followed suit. It was only then that I realized the bus had crashed into the front of our vehicle. Simultaneously, a motorcycle rider and their passenger narrowly avoided injury by jumping off moments before the impact.”
Speaking at the scene of the accident, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA), Franklin Makanga, also known as Hosana, urged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to enhance its oversight and ensure all vehicles operating on public roads undergo regular servicing to prevent future accidents.
“I appeal to the NTSA to be more vigilant and mandate thorough servicing for all vehicles before they are permitted on our roads,” stated Mr. Makanga. “This incident could potentially have been avoided with more responsible oversight from the NTSA.”
The MCA further called upon drivers to exercise increased caution, particularly during the ongoing long rainy season.
Passengers Desmond Odinga and Wilson Mambo, along with John Musyoka, the matatu conductor, all involved in the incident, recounted their experiences while receiving treatment at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The injured individuals are currently receiving medical care and are in stable condition at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
