Thirteen people have been killed and thirty-six others injured in an accident at Sachangwan near Salgaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The accident occurred at around 5a.m on Tuesday, August 20, involving a 56-seater bus and a saloon car near the magic wall that was constructed to prevent accidents along the highway.
Kenya Red Cross said the injured passengers have been taken to Molo and Coptic hospital as rescue operations continue.
“Thirty-six injured individuals have been taken to Molo and Coptic Hospitals following a road traffic incident involving a PSV bus and multiple vehicles at Migaa in Molo, Nakuru County. The Kenya Red Cross, alongside a multi-agency response team, is still at the scene providing assistance,” Kenya Red Cross announced in a statement.
The Salgaa area, known for its history of frequent accidents, saw the construction of a wall aimed at reducing crashes along the route.
However, a tragic incident occurred when the bus which was travelling from Kericho towards Nakuru lost control, reportedly due to brake failure, leading to a serious accident.
First responders are currently engaged in search and rescue operations, with some passengers still trapped beneath the wreckage.
A ramp has been brought to the scene to lift the vehicle, allowing emergency teams to continue their rescue efforts.
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Sachangwan Accident Witness Account
Speaking to the media, responder Rachel explained that the accident happened when the bus collided with a car, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.
“We received a call informing us that an accident had occurred here. When we arrived, we found that the Bus had collided with a small vehicle, which then went off the road and overturned here,” she said.
Rachel revealed that passengers had reported mechanical issues with the bus, but their concerns were dismissed.
She noted that about 38 people were taken to the hospital, while the deceased were transported to the mortuaries.
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“Passengers told us that the bus had mechanical issues, and they reported it in Kericho, but their concerns were ignored, leading to the accident,” Rachel said.
“Around 36 to 38 people have been taken to the hospital, and those who died have been taken to the mortuary. Others are still trapped.”
Police officers are currently working to clear the scene and restore traffic flow.
However, authorities have not yet released an official statement on the death toll or the number of injured in the accident.
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