By Our Reporter,
NATIONAL
The number of people who died in a bus accident in Kenya’s Central Province on Sunday has risen to 33, security authorities confirmed on Monday.
Several different Kenyan media outlets reported the accident happened as the bus traveled from Meru to the coastal city of Mombasa on Sunday evening.
The bus, belonging to Modern Coast company, veered off the Nithi Bridge and plunged 40 metres into the river.
Initial investigations showed the bus’s brakes may have failed, preventing its driver from properly turning on a sharp bend at the bridge.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora confirmed the fatalities and also announced that 10 people had survived the crash. He however cautioned that the number of fatalities could rise since some survivors were seriously injured.
Kenya has seen a recent increase in deadly road accidents in recent weeks, with more than 60 deaths reported in crashes recorded over the past month alone.
Earlier this month, Kenya Police spokesman Bruno Shioso called for compliance with traffic regulations to avoid more accidents in the East African country. He said the authorities will increase vigilance to tame rogue drivers.
“The National Police Service will continue enforcing the Traffic Act in a bid to ensure compliance with the requirements of the law urging Kenyans to remain vigilant to avoid such unfortunate incidents,” said Shioso.
