Four dead, several injured in Kericho bus crash

Wreckage of the Dreamline bus involved in a road crash on the Londiani-Muhuroni road killing three people. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Four people, including a minor, died on the spot, and several others were injured after a Dreamline bus veered off the road and crashed into a ditch in the Kapcheplanga area on the Londiani-Muhuroni road in Kericho.

The bus headed towards Busia from Mombasa, was involved in the accident around 4:20 am on Saturday.

Londiani OCPD Agnes Kunga said while the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, initial investigations suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a corner.

"One female, one male, and a child lost their lives in the crash. The injured were rushed to Londiani Sub-County Hospital for treatment," Kunga said.

One other person has succumbed to injuries while in hospital. 

The OCPD added that the bus driver, who was apprehended and taken to Molo Hospital for medical attention, will be interrogated after treatment.

Jared Oduor, a passenger traveling from Mombasa to Busia, said the driver swerved to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming lorry, causing the bus to overturn and fall into the ditch.

Another resident said he was awakened by a loud bang and passengers screaming for help. He mobilised neighbors to assist in rescuing the injured.

Kipkelion East Member of Parliament Joseph Cherorot visited the victims at Kericho County Hospital and called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to install proper road signage on the Londiani-Muhuroni road to enhance safety.

"Motorists and other road users must also strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent such tragedies," said Cherorot.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Londiani Hospital mortuary, and the wreckage of the bus was towed to Londiani Police Station.