Nairobi, Kenya – Panic and chaos gripped Waruku area in Nairobi on the evening of Monday, October 7, after a 33-seater Latema Sacco bus veered off the road and plunged into a river along Musa Gitau Road, leaving dozens injured and several feared dead.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus, which was heading towards Kangemi from the city centre, lost control near Gatina, just off Waiyaki Way, before toppling on its side into a riverbed. The chilling scene drew crowds as emergency responders rushed to the site to rescue trapped passengers from the wreckage.
Residents described the horrifying moments leading up to the crash, saying the bus appeared to be speeding downhill before it suddenly swerved and plunged into the shallow river. “We just heard screams and then a loud crash. People rushed to help before the rescue team arrived,” said one eyewitness.
Scores Injured and Rushed to Hospital
Preliminary reports indicate that over 30 passengers sustained injuries, with at least 20 people admitted to Riverside Medical Center for treatment. Others were taken to nearby health facilities as paramedics and Kenya Red Cross teams worked through the evening to provide first aid and emergency care.
While authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of fatalities, several passengers are feared dead. Rescue operations were still ongoing late into the night, as responders used torches and flashlights to search through the wreckage and surrounding riverbed for survivors.
Rescue Mission Underway
The scene was quickly cordoned off by police officers from the Kabete Police Station, who were assisted by firefighters and members of the Nairobi County Disaster Management Unit. Traffic along Waiyaki Way and Musa Gitau Road came to a standstill as curious onlookers gathered, and motorists were advised to seek alternative routes.
Emergency responders struggled to reach all victims due to the narrow, slippery terrain near the riverbank. “We are still retrieving people from the wreckage. It’s a delicate operation because of the unstable ground,” said a police officer at the scene.
Cause of the Accident Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the accident remains unclear, early investigations suggest brake failure or driver fatigue could have played a role. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has since launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether the vehicle was roadworthy and if the driver adhered to safety regulations.
The Latema Sacco management has also released a brief statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledging full cooperation with authorities to ensure the victims receive necessary support.
Nation Mourns Another Road Tragedy
The Waruku accident adds to the growing list of road crashes in Nairobi County, sparking fresh concerns over road safety and public transport management. Residents have called for the erection of speed bumps and stronger barriers along Musa Gitau Road to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the rescue operation continues, Kenyans are once again reminded of the urgent need for stricter road safety enforcement and better driver training to curb the rising number of accidents claiming innocent lives on the country’s roads.
