Death toll in Meru crash rises to 10

By MUNENE KAMAU

Ten people died Sunday after a matatu they were travelling in rolled several times along the Mitheru- Chuka road.

Five victims died instantly, while two others succumbed to injuries on arrival at Chuka District Hospital during the 10am accident.

Meru South District Deputy OCPD Caleb Matoke said three more passenger died while undergoing treatment. Matoke said the vehicle had 14 adult passengers and 13 children when the accident occurred, and among those in critical condition were two adults and six children. One passenger, who sustained serious head injuries was transferred to the Embu Provincial General Hospital.

The police boss said the cause of the accident could not be immediately established, although witnesses said the driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times.

"We cannot tell for sure what caused the accident at this point until a motor vehicle inspector comes over and carries out the necessary inspection upon which we will be able to explain the cause," Matoke said.

The officer said the driver of the ill- fated matatu escaped with injuries and was among those admitted in hospital.

But the Meru Nissan Sacco chairperson Wanja Karuku claimed the driver was incompetent and did not have a driving licence. The official said the driver was not affiliated to any sacco, noting that last Saturday, he was barred from picking passengers at the Chuka Bus Park.

She claimed the driver bought the matatu and started operating on his own despite fellow drivers raising objections.