18 confirmed dead in Kitui river bus accident

The incident occurred at 11am, when the passengers were travelling to Nuu area from Mwingi Town. [Courtesy]

 

Eighteen (18) people were confirmed dead on Saturday after a bus ferrying choir members plunged into River Enziu in Kitui County.

Ten (10) of the passengers were rescued, Mwingi East Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Yakan told The Standard.

The bus had at least 30 people on board, when the accident occurred at 11am at Ngune Village in Mwingi Central.

The 30-plus victims were choir members of Mwingi Catholic Church, and were travelling to Nuu area from Mwingi Town.

Police said the choir members were heading for their male colleague’s wedding, when the accident happened.

Yakan said The Standard that the driver of the bus attempted to steer the vehicle past a flooded bridge, but the water tides were too strong, consequently sweeping the bus into the river.

Some of the passengers could be seen screaming and raising their hands through the windows as the bus sank gradually.