Road accidents claim lives as Christmas nears
By NATION TEAM
Seven people perished in separate accidents along Mombasa and Isiolo roads that involved collision with lorries.
On Monday night, four people died on the spot Monday evening while 28 others were injured when a bus travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa rammed into an oncoming lorry in Mtito Andei Town, Makueni County.
Three other people died on Tuesday morning and 13 others critically injured after a driver of a lorry lost control and hit vehicles, boda boda riders and pedestrians in Isiolo town.
Kibwezi Deputy OCPD Mr James Ireri said the Monday night accident involved a bus belonging to Channia Cool Company which attempted to overtake another vehicle hitting an oncoming lorry head on and smashing its cabin.
Among those who perished were the driver of the bus, his turn-boy and two passengers, including a Kenya Prison Services sergeant.
Isiolo county commissioner George Natembeya said Tuesday’s accident happened after a lorry which was heading to Moyale developed a mechanical problem within the town ramming into other vehicles.
THREE DEAD
The incident happened at around 11 am leaving three people dead.
“The accident happened at a busy section of the road within Isiolo town, where miraa traders and boda boda riders wait for customers. The injured are in critical condition. I had warned the county government against relocating traders to the area along the busy road which is prone to accidents,” Mr Natembeya said.
Speaking to the Daily Nation on phone, Kenya Red cross regional coordinator Gitonga Mugambi said about 20 people were injured in the accident.
“We have deployed the Red Cross ambulance to help in rushing the injured to hospital. Some will be taken to Meru Referral hospital,” he said.
The bodies were moved to Isiolo Hospital mortuary while the injured were rushed to Isiolo General Hospital.
Mr Natembeya urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution during the festive season.
Report by Pius Maundu, Vivian Jebet and David Muchui