Tragic Coast Bus Accident: Survivors describe final moments before crash that killed 14 people
Reports from survivors indicate that the Coast Bus, which had broken down in Kericho while traveling from Kisumu to Mombasa, continued its journey despite warnings from passengers. The trip ended in tragedy when the bus’s brakes failed, and the driver lost control.
Travelers at the scene suggested that the early morning accident could have been avoided with proper safety measures.
Peter Omutiti, a survivor currently recovering at Nakuru Hospital, disclosed that the bus had displayed mechanical issues even before departing Kisumu at 5 pm on Monday.
Omutiti, who is the principal of Friends School Mbale, noted that the driver seemed to struggle with the vehicle’s gears and brakes, raising concerns among the passengers.
A mechanic was summoned to address the bus’s issues, which had been parked in Kericho from 8 pm until 2 am before the journey resumed.
“I was en route to Mombasa for a principals’ meeting in Bamburi… It was clear the driver was having difficulty with the bus. Despite our repeated complaints, the driver continued with the journey,” Omutiti recounted from his hospital bed.
As the bus neared the notorious Migaa blackspot, the driver lost control. The bus began to swerve uncontrollably, and the conductor, who had been asleep, woke up and moved to the back, alerting sleeping passengers.
Despite the driver’s attempts to regain control, the bus collided with a saloon car and then landed in a ditch.
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“The driver did his best to manage the bus, but it was futile. I was covered in oil, with a deceased person on top of me. I cried out for help, and good Samaritans came to my rescue. I was transported to the hospital in a Probox with injuries to my right leg, hand, and chest,” Mr. Omutiti described.
His wife, Jackline, had been in constant contact with him since he left Kisumu. She was kept informed of the bus’s mechanical problems and the delay in Kericho.
Her fears were confirmed when she received an alarming call early in the morning from a stranger informing her of the accident.
“I tried calling his phone, but one was off and the other went unanswered. The strange number called again, informing me that he was in the hospital. I was terrified but relieved to later hear from our daughter that he was alive,” Ms. Omutiti said.
Survivor Lovin Ingati, who boarded the bus in Vihiga, noted that the vehicle passed through two police checkpoints without being stopped, despite its apparent mechanical issues.
“While waiting for repairs in Kericho, a passenger went to the police station and brought back an officer. The officer spoke with the driver and mechanic, and surprisingly told us to wait until the repairs were completed,” Ingati reported.
“We urged the driver to replace the vehicle, but he refused. This is no ordinary accident; it should be termed as murder. Allowing an unsafe vehicle on the road has cost lives that could have been saved,” Ingati expressed angrily.
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Thirteen people were killed instantly, and another succumbed to injuries at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Over 50 others were injured and taken to various medical centers.
Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati confirmed that the deceased included five women, seven men, and an infant.
Dr. James Waweru, Medical Superintendent at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, confirmed receiving 21 patients with various injuries.
Dr. Waweru stated that ten patients with soft tissue injuries were treated and discharged, while eleven others with fractures and head injuries were admitted. Sadly, one of the admitted patients later died.
“Patients in critical condition are awaiting further medical investigations before surgery. The rest are stable,” Dr. Waweru concluded.
Tragic Coast Bus Accident: Survivors describe final moments before crash that killed 14 people
