Death Toll from Nithi Bridge Bus Accidents Climbs to 34

The death toll from Sunday’s bus accident at Nithi River bridge along the Meru-Nairobi highway has climbed to 34 after 10 more fatalities were confirmed.

The accident occurred at around 6.30 pm when the Mombasa-bound bus belonging to Modern Coast company lost control as it descended the steep slope and fell off the bridge into the river, about 40 meters below. At least 20 people were killed on the spot while others were pronounced dead on arrival in hospital.

Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora on Monday confirmed that 11 people who survived the horrific crash are admitted in critical condition, cautioning that the number of fatalities could rise.

County police commander Donatha Chali said the bodies of the deceased were moved to Chuka County Referral Hospital and Chogoria PCEA Hospital mortuaries.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has since suspended all Modern Coast Bus operations to pave way for a thorough multi-agency investigation into the crash and an evaluation of the operator’s safety operational standards.

NTSA Director General George Njau said the operations of all 31 vehicles belonging to the Modern Coast Bus company will be halted during the investigation period.

The grounding will affect at least seven routes that the company plies including Nairobi-Mombasa; Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi-Malindi-Witu-Mpeketoni-Lamu; Nairobi-Nakuru-Kisumu-Kakamega-Busia; Nairobi-Nakuru-Kisumu-Eldoret-Malaba; Nairobi-Narok-Kisii-Homabay-Migori-Isibania; Mombasa-Makindu-Wote-Kitui-Machakos; and Nairobi-Thika-Embu-Meru-Maua.