Nairobi, Kenya – September 8, 2024: Several passengers sustained injuries after a public service vehicle (PSV) bus overturned at the Roysambu roundabout along the busy Thika Road on Sunday evening. The crash occurred just a few minutes before 4 PM, causing a traffic snarl-up that halted the flow of vehicles for hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver lost control while attempting to avoid hitting a pedestrian who was crossing the road, leading to the rollover. Videos obtained by K47 Digital News show the vehicle lying on its side as frantic witnesses tried to pull injured passengers out of the wreckage.
The Accident Scene
The accident took place near the popular TRM Shopping Mall, a hub for shoppers and travelers in the area. Several people who were on board the bus were injured, though no fatalities have been reported so far. Good Samaritans who were near the scene rushed to assist in the rescue efforts, pulling passengers out of the damaged bus before emergency responders arrived.
However, the delay in emergency response and first aid services drew the ire of a growing crowd, which quickly became unruly. As minutes passed and medical help remained absent, the mob started becoming agitated. Police who arrived shortly after the crash struggled to control the scene as tensions escalated.
Delayed Emergency Response
In the minutes following the crash, the absence of first responders sparked outrage from the crowd that had gathered. Several eyewitnesses voiced their frustration at the slow response time, pointing out that the delay could have worsened the condition of the injured passengers. “We have been waiting for over 30 minutes, but there is no ambulance, no first aid, nothing. People are seriously hurt here,” one frustrated witness told reporters.
Eventually, ambulances arrived and rushed the injured passengers to nearby hospitals. The extent of the injuries is yet to be confirmed, but sources indicate that several of the victims sustained moderate to severe injuries. Authorities have not yet released an official statement or provided an exact count of the injured.
Traffic Snarl-Up and Police Response
As is typical of such accidents on major roads, the incident led to a significant traffic jam along Thika Road, affecting hundreds of motorists. Vehicles were stranded for hours as curious onlookers and motorists slowed down to observe the wreckage. The police on the scene attempted to manage the situation but were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of traffic and the growing crowd.
Eventually, police were forced to disperse the gathering crowd to allow for rescue efforts and traffic management. “It took a while before the situation could be brought under control,” one police officer remarked. “People were upset because help took too long to arrive, but the situation was sensitive, and we had to ensure safety for all.”
Separate Accident at Roasters Along Thika Road
Just a few kilometers away from the Roysambu accident, another tragic incident occurred at the Roasters area, also along Thika Road. In this separate accident, a personal vehicle rammed into a stationary truck, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle appeared distracted before the collision occurred.
This second accident adds to the grim statistics on road safety in Kenya, where road accidents continue to be a leading cause of death and injury. The two individuals who passed away in the Roasters accident were traveling in a car that collided with a stationary truck, and reports suggest that the driver may have been attempting to reach for a seatbelt moments before the crash.
bus after the accident
Recent Spike in Road Accidents
These back-to-back accidents come barely a week after the country was shaken by a tragic incident at Nithi Bridge along Meru-Embu Road. In that accident, 12 people lost their lives when a vehicle plunged into the river below the bridge, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety in Kenya.
According to statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), approximately 3,000 people die in road accidents in Kenya every year. Many of these accidents occur during weekends, festivities, and public holidays when more vehicles are on the roads, often coupled with increased speeding, reckless driving, and disregard for road safety measures.
NTSA has frequently issued warnings and guidelines to drivers, urging caution, particularly during peak traffic hours and in high-risk zones. However, despite efforts to enhance road safety through speed limits, improved signage, and frequent checks on vehicle roadworthiness, the country continues to grapple with the alarming number of road accidents.
The Role of Authorities in Enhancing Road Safety
In light of the recent accidents, many Kenyans are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. Authorities are being urged to take firmer action against reckless driving, enforce speed limits, and ensure that pedestrian crossings are adequately marked and manned. The increasing number of accidents on Thika Road, one of Nairobi’s busiest highways, is a cause for concern, especially as the road serves as a major link to the central business district and beyond.
While the police have been quick to arrive at accident scenes, the delay in first aid and emergency services points to gaps in the overall emergency response system. To mitigate such delays, some road safety experts have called for more emergency centers to be established along major highways. Additionally, calls for enhanced driver training and public awareness campaigns on road safety have grown louder in recent years.
Conclusion
As the investigation into the Roysambu and Roasters accidents continues, authorities are expected to release official statements detailing the causes of the crashes and the condition of the injured victims. In the meantime, road users are being urged to exercise caution, remain vigilant on the roads, and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid further loss of life.
The events of Sunday serve as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact of accidents on families and communities. With proper enforcement of traffic laws, stricter safety protocols, and a robust emergency response system, the number of road fatalities and injuries can be significantly reduced in Kenya.
