Three dead, dozens injured in accident caused by tyre burst
Three people died and 27 other are nursing injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in rolled several times at Iriamurai village, along the Embu-Kiritiri-Kivaa road, Sunday night.
The dead were two players and a coach of the of 11 Gunners football club.
The deceased have been identified as Stanley Kithaka and Benjamin Muringi, who were in their 20’s, together with their coach Mr Akwirino Mbiti Mbaka, 36.
Theywere returning home when the vehicle experienced a tyre burst and rolled several times.
30 PASSENGERS
Nominated MCA Shunnem Ngira said the pick-up vehicle had at least 30 passengers when it rolled shortly before 10pm Sunday.
The footballers from Kiambere ward had earlier played Shagos from Makima ward in their district league fixture.
One other player is fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital, while two others are admitted at Tenri Mission and Embu Level Five hospitals and are in stable condition.
Embu Level Five hospital medical superintendent Henry Njiru said the patients had multiple fractures and various cuts and bruises.
“We treated 27 patients and five have been admitted. Many have various traumas, fractures, head and chest injuries,” said Dr Njiru.
UPROAR
Following the accident, there was uproar from a cross section of leaders, with many criticizing the police and county officials for neglecting the sportsmen.
Lower Eastern FKF chairman Hussein Swaleh and businessman Lenny Masters Mwaniki called for strict enforcement of traffic laws to curb overloading and speeding.
Mr Swaleh said two other players had lost their lives less than two months ago, and called on the local leaders to help sponsor the clubs to enable them honour matches safely.
“We are concerned by the status of our clubs since they are surviving on their own contributions. They are forced to use this kind of transport since they can’t afford better means,” he said.
The bodies were removed to Embu Level Five hospital mortuary.
