Wreckage of the fatal road accident along the Karai–Naivasha
road/HANDOUT
Survivors of the fatal road accident along the
Karai–Naivasha stretch have claimed that the driver of the vehicle involved was recklessly driving and ignoring repeated pleas from passengers to slow down, as
authorities continue investigations into the crash that claimed at least nine
lives.
Speaking from hospital, one survivor who spoke to NTV said
passengers became increasingly alarmed by the driver’s speed but were unable to
compel him to change his driving despite multiple warnings.
“It was reckless driving, and there was no way we could
complain, and he wasn’t listening,” the survivor claimed.
“But we thank God even though we have lost one kid.
Personally, I’m not okay. My head and my leg hurt.”
The survivor further appealed to the transport company
operating the vehicle to review its safety practices, particularly the use of a
single driver on long-distance routes.
“What we are asking Greenline company, because it is the
vehicle we used, they need to have at least two drivers, but if they continue
with only one, we will continue losing lives,” the survivor opined.
Another survivor echoed similar concerns, claiming the driver
failed to heed passengers’ warnings as the vehicle sped along the busy highway.
“The driver was speeding and we tried telling him to slow
down but he wasn’t listening to any of us,” the survivor claimed.
The accident occurred on a section of the Karai–Naivasha
road that police describe as a high-risk area, particularly during periods of
heavy traffic.
Law enforcement officers said congestion and speeding remain
major challenges on the route, which serves as a key link between Naivasha and
Nairobi.
“On this road there are over-speeding vehicles,” a police
officer said. “The big challenge at that time is that there was more traffic
flow to Nairobi.”
Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals,
while traffic police secured the scene and launched investigations to establish
the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities said the findings will inform any further
action, including possible charges or enforcement measures.
The crash occurred at around 2 a.m. on Monday, January 5,
involving a bus and a 14-seater matatu, according to police.
Seven people, including two minors, died at the scene, while
two others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in the
hospital.
Several other passengers sustained injuries and were taken
to Naivasha District Hospital for medical attention.
Police said the bus was travelling from Nakuru to Nairobi at
the time of the accident, while the matatu was heading in the opposite
direction.