Modern Coast bus has issued a statement after one of its buses burst into flames earlier on Saturday, December 7, near the Gilgil Weigh Bridge along Naivasha- Nakuru highway.
The company confirmed that all passengers on board were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries.
“We regret to report that earlier today, our bus with registration number MODERN 4, traveling from Nairobi to Kampala, was involved in a fire incident near the Gilgil Weigh Bridge along the Naivasha-Nakuru highway,” read the statement in part.
Modern Coast expressed gratitude for the swift and effective response that ensured the safety of everyone involved.
“We dispatched another bus to take the customers and complete the journey that was cut short by fire eventuality. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” read the statement in part.
“We understand this occurrence may have caused consequential inconvenience and distress and we sincerely apologize for any impact it has had on our customers and road users.”
Modern Coast Bus Bursts into Flames on Nakuru Highway
Traffic along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway was disrupted on Saturday, December 7, after a Modern Coast bus burst into flames.
The Modern Coast bus caught fire near the Gilgil weighbridge. The bus was travelling from Nairobi headed to Kampala, Uganda.
Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries or fatalities were reported by the time of publication of this article.
However, they were unable to salvage their belongings.
According to a police report obtained by The Kenya Times, the incident happened at around 09:40 and the bus had 23 passengers on board.
“This morning at around 09:40, in the Kigio Conservancy area, a bus (registration no. Modern 4) traveling from Nairobi to Kampala caught fire. There were 23 passengers on board, all of whom escaped unhurt. Officers are at the scene to begin investigations into the cause of the fire,” read the police report.
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, flames were visible as the bus continued moving before it eventually stopped.
At the time of publication, the main cause of the fire had not been established.
Vehicles moving in the same direction as the bus had to look for alternative routes due to the huge amount of smoke billowing from the fire.
Onlookers, believed to be passengers, were seen standing on the side of the road.
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Firefighters have successfully put out the fire, and rescuers are working to remove the wreck from the road.
Kenyans React After the Passenger Bus Incident
The incident has caused reactions among Kenyans who have expressed their worry for the increasing number of accidents in the country.
“You mean all those vehicles passing there has no fire extinguisher,” David Lavingston said.
In addition, another user called out the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) demanding that it inspects all vehicles and prioritize the safety of Kenyans.
“How is inspection done by NTSA? I thought each Public Service Vehicle is supposed to be equipped with a fire extinguisher. In Kenya, we travel by God’s mercy!” Josiah Anyaga wrote.
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A section of social media users on Facebook questioned why the bus did not have a fire extinguisher and why other vehicles could not offer help.
One user, Hamzeey commented, “Bus companies don’t want to invest in fire extinguishers. Wacha wakule kiburi yao… You need two fire extinguishers (carbon and water-based) in such a bus, along with a first aid kit as well. These brake fires are very common and spread very quickly.”
Past Fire Incidences
The country has recently witnessed instances of vehicles bursting into flames along the highway.
A passenger bus operated by Coast Bus Company was consumed by flames while transporting travelers along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi Highway on Thursday, August 29.
The incident occurred in the Mtito Andei area, where preliminary reports indicated that the fire was triggered by a tire burst, which quickly escalated into a full-blown blaze.
In videos shared by locals and witnesses, the bus had been completely burned from the back, leaving behind charred metal remains. Additionally, the tires of the bus had been stripped off, and the windows were completely shattered.
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