Tragedy Strikes: 8 Lives Lost as Matatu Plunges into Mbagathi River
Eight people have been reported dead after a 32-seater bus they were traveling in plunged into the Mbagathi River in the Gataka area along the road connecting Karen and Ongata Rongai, near the Cooperative University of Kenya.
The accident on Saturday morning, occurred as the bus operated by Naboka Sacco, was heading to Nairobi from Gataka when the driver, who is among the fatalities, lost control and veered off the road.
According to authorities, six people died instantly, while three others died at the hospital.
The Mbagathi River serves as the boundary between Nairobi County and Kajiado County. At the point where the bus fell into the river, the terrain is sloped on either side.
Witnesses report that the driver slowed down at the bumps, but as he attempted to continue the journey, the vehicle lost control of the vehicle, which then plunged into the river.
A witness, who was among the passengers, described the moments before the bus fell into the river.
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“We were in the bus, which was carrying excess passengers. It was full up to the door. I was among the last passengers to enter the bus and I stood next to the conductor,” she stated.
She narrated the incident, saying, “When the driver reached near the river, he slowed down for the bumps, but as he attempted to continue driving, the bus lost control and started moving towards the river.”
According to her, the quick thinking of the conductor saved her life.
“The conductor threw me out and he also jumped before the bus rolled into the river,” she continued.
The conductor is said to be among the survivors and called for help immediately after the accident.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, thirteen people have been rushed to the hospital following the accident near Hardy Police Station in Karen.
Police and rescue teams are currently at the scene, working tirelessly to retrieve victims from the river. The operation is ongoing, with efforts focused on ensuring no one is left trapped in the wreckage.
Tragedy Strikes: 8 Lives Lost as Matatu Plunges into Mbagathi River