One Dead, Six Injured After Mourner-Filled Matatu Plunges Into River Nyakibaai in Gatundu
Witnesses and survivors said the vehicle was transporting mourners from a funeral in Nakuru back to Gatumbi village when it developed mechanical problems before the crash
By : Mweru Mbugua
One person has died and six others sustained serious injuries after a matatu carrying mourners lost control and plunged into River Nyakibaai in Gatundu
Witnesses and survivors said the vehicle was transporting mourners from a funeral in Nakuru back to Gatumbi village when it developed mechanical problems before the crash
According to Joyce Muthoni Irungu, a resident of Gatumbi village who was among the passengers, the matatu first suffered a puncture on the way to the funeral. Although the tyre was replaced, further complications emerged during the return journey
She said smoke began billowing from one of the wheels, prompting the driver to stop and inspect the vehicle. The driver reportedly raised concerns about the braking system. Passengers said they were assisted with brake oil and resumed their journey, but the problem resurfaced later in the night
Another survivor, Grace Kimani from Gachocho village, recounted that smoke could be seen coming from the rear wheel, with the driver informing them that the brakes were malfunctioning
Approximately 30 minutes after getting back on the road, the matatu veered off the roadway, rolled down a hill, and came to a stop near the riverbank
Local leaders and rescue teams confirmed that about 18 people, including children, were pulled from the wreckage. Some victims were reportedly trapped in nearby vegetation as rescue operations continued into the night
Also read : CS Aden Duale Orders Investigation into Maternal Death at Mukumu Hospital
Dr. Brian Nganda of Murang’a County Referral Hospital said the facility received reports of the accident at around 4 a.m. and immediately dispatched ambulances to the scene
“We received six patients at the hospital, most of them with multiple fractures and deep cuts. We managed to administer emergency treatment, stabilise them, and send them for imaging,” he said
Kinyona MCA Liz Muthoni confirmed that 18 people were rescued but one middle-aged woman succumbed to her injuries
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the crash, with preliminary accounts pointing to possible mechanical failure
