23 killed in Mbooni road accident

Written By:Metabel Mainya/ VPPS,    Posted: Sun, Aug 21, 2011

Statistics from the Traffic headquarters in Nairobi indicate an increase in the number of accidents in the country( FILE) 23 people died when the driver of the bus they were travelling in lost control and plunged into a river in Mbooni East district. Four family members were among the dead. Police said 34 other people sustained injuries and are admitted to hospitals in Mbooni, Machakos and Makueni districts. Nineteen others were treated and discharged in the incident that occurred Saturday night. Police had a difficult time retrieving the bodies and saving people from the mangled wreckage of the bus that plunged into River Kalingile at Mukimwani area. According to the traffic commandant Joseph Ole Tito, the group was travelling from Makueni to Kangundo for dowry negotiations when the accident occurred shortly before midnight. Some of the accident victims who sustained serious injuries have been referred to Kenyatta National Hospital. The polioce boss termed the accident as the worst this year. Statistics from the Traffic headquarters in Nairobi indicate an increase in the number of accidents in the country, particularly along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, Thika Highway and Mombasa road where up to 20 people are killed weekly. Condolences Meanwhile, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has sent message of condolence to the families, relatives and friends of those who perished in the road accident. Mr. Musyoka described the accident as terrible saying it was very sad that the lives of twenty three people would be lost in a single accident. Speaking on his way to Chogoria for a church fundraiser the Vice President wished the survivors who are in hospitals quick recovery urging the doctors to do all they can to save there lives. The Vice President cautioned drivers to be careful when ferrying passengers adding that they should always remember that any slight mistake on the road would lead to deadly consequences. He also encouraged passengers to be vigilant and always be ready to caution drivers when they notice that they are driving recklessly. " Its very saddening that so many lives are lost on our roads every other day, all stakeholders in the transport industry should actively play their role in preventing accidents" he said.