The Death toll of the Modern Coast bus that plunged into Nithi River along Meru- Nairobi highway on Sunday evening has hit 35, as the rescue and recovery mission is called off.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC), Nobert Komora, told the media that the operations of the Nithi bridge accident that claimed the lives of 16 women and 19 men, came to a close yesterday night.
He further confirmed the bus had 44 passengers on board and not the earlier prediction of 45.
“We only have nine survivors out of the 44 passengers that were involved in the accident,” he said.
The CC added that with the help of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other agencies, they managed to remove the bus wreckage from the river.
Komora thanked all the multi-agencies involved in the operation exercise which included the KDF, Regional Security Team led by Regional Commissioner, Evans Achoki, the County rescue team led by Alex Mugambi, Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHa), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), County Security Team and the Base Commanders.
The CC passed his condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
The Administrator warned politicians to refrain from putting campaign posters on road safety signs and assured that they are working with NTSA, to reconstruct the wall and bridge rail destroyed during the accident.
The Government has suspended Modern Coast services, following the tragic accident at the Nithi Bridge.
By Sharon Gitau
