Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has shared a message of condolence to the family of victims of the Machakos accident that occurred on Saturday, December 16, evening.
While speaking to the press on Sunday, December 17, the governor noted that the roads in Machakos were slippery because of ongoing heavy rainfall.
Further, he asked drivers to be careful on the roads and follow the stipulated regulations, noting that the matatu involved in the accident was ferrying 20 passengers.
Notably, the vehicle involved in the accident that killed 10 on the spot was a 14-seater matatu, meaning it was carrying excess number of passengers.
“During heavy rains and the holiday season, it is important that the drivers follow the law because we have determined that the vehicle was carrying more passengers than it should have.
“On such a road, it can be very slippery and difficult to maneuver when it rains. I offer my condolences to the families of individuals who have lost their lives. We will make sure that those in hospital get treatment,” he stated.
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Update on Fatalities
At the same time, two more victims of the accident have been reported dead while receiving treatment at Mbooni Hospital raising the number of fatalities to 12.
In addition, doctors at the hospital have indicated that there are 8 more victims receiving treatment at the hospital.
Victims in need of serious medical attention were scheduled to be transferred to Makueni Referral Hospital for further treatment by press time.
Nevertheless, the bodies of the deceased were moved to Mbooni Hospital for preservation.
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Details of The Accident
According to the National Police Service, the accident occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday, December 16, when the vehicle lost control and rolled several times along Kikima – Machakos Road.
At the same time, Mbooni Deputy Stanlaus Apwoka noted that the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) belonging to Makos SACCO, lost control and landed in a ditch killing 10 passengers on the spot.
“The matatu from Makos Sacco lost control before landing in a ditch,” a statement from Apwoka read in part.
In addition, Makueni Health Chief Officer Stephen Ndolo told the media that the facility received 10 casualties and that two of them were in critical condition.
“We have dispatched additional blood to that facility, together with three more ambulances for any referrals,” stated Ndolo.
