Eyewitness Recounts Passengers Refreshing Themselves before Kisumu Accident: "Walinunua Ndizi"
- Eyewitnesses have shared their accounts of things regarding the Kisumu road accident that killed 21 people on Friday evening, August 8
- One recalled seeing the passengers full of life, freshening up just before continuing with their long journey
- The school bus they had boarded overturned at the Coptic Roundabout; 19 passengers died on the spot
The Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu's Mamboleo area was a scene of horror and bloodbath after 21 people died there Friday evening, August 8.
Source: Twitter
A school bus overturned at the spot after the driver failed to navigate the vast roundabout.
Nineteen people died on the spot, with two others succumbing to their injuries at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where they had been rushed.
Twenty others survived, including an eight-month-old infant, and are at the same facility receiving treatment.
The bodies were all booked into the hospital's morgue.
What eyewitnesses said
An eyewitness recalled seeing the bus just moments before the crash.
Eli Omogo, who was travelling from Kakamega, said he passed by the passengers at a centre in Kiboswa along the Kakamega-Kisumu Highway, refreshing themselves before continuing with the journey.
They had scattered into groups, with some buying snacks and fruits as the bus waited on the side.
"I came from Kakamega and passed the bus in Kiboswa. I saw the passengers; some were buying bananas. I continued with the journey, and after reaching the Red Cross office, I had there was an accident. I returned and found the bus at the scene. I came with ambulances from various hospitals to carry out rescue," Omogo said.
How Kisumu accident occured
As earlier reported, the victims were on board a bus belonging to AIC Naki High School, which overturned at the Coptic Roundabout as the driver unsuccessfully strove to negotiate the spot.
It overturned at the side of the roundabout.
Source: Twitter
At the scene were responders from a host of humanitarian organisations and hospitals, including the Kenya Red Cross, St John's Ambulance, and the Kisumu County government.
Nyanza regional traffic boss Peter Maina confirmed the tragic road crash.
Whilst Maina said 21 was the official number of the fatalities, eyewitnesses suggested there could be more trapped under the wreckage.
What caused Kisumu accident that killed 21
According to the eyewitnesses, the vast roundabout contributed significantly to the accident.
One observed that drivers, especially those behind the wheel of huge vehicles, have a difficult time navigating the spot.
In most instances, they end up at the very far end of the road, where there are potholes and gullies, where the vehicles lose balance and overturn as a result.
The wreckage of the bus was towed by a breakdown truck to the Kondele Police Station.
The accident occurred just a day after another one that claimed nine lives.
How William Ruto reacted to Kisumu accident
The president regretted the accident in a heartfelt tweet he sent on Friday evening.
He condoled with the bereaved families and wished a quick recovery to the survivors who sustained critical injuries.
At the same time, the president called for action against state officers who might have been negligent, leading to the accident.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
