The Matatu that killed nine people in a road accident near Katangi was overloaded, according to David Kiarie, Chairperson of the Road Safety Association of Kenya.
A vehicle overloaded with 30 bags of charcoal caused an accident on Monday, killing eight passengers and injuring the ninth during treatment at Machakos Level Five Hospital.
The Chairperson of the Road Safety Association also said the vehicle’s speed governor had been tampered with leading to the accident. “The speed governor had been removed since February 2, something that the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) should have been aware, “he said.
Kiarie criticized the police for allowing Matatu to continue their journey from Kitui-Machakos while overloaded. “We would not have lost the nine lives if the relevant authorities played their part,” added the chairperson.
He called on the government to declare road carnage a national disaster saying the number of accidents are on the increase. Meanwhile 35 patients are receiving treatment at the Machakos Level Five Hospital after sustaining injuries in the accident.
According to Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Daniel Yumbya, the injured include three children, 26 male and six female patients. Yumbya said one patient had been referred to the Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized spinal injury treatment while another one sought treatment at a private hospital.
He lauded the medical personnel for their swift response during the emergency and working round the clock to save those injured.Other officials present during the tour of the hospital were Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Kitui CECM for health Ruth Koki among other officials from the county. The driver of the 42 seater Matatu lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times before landing in a ditch.
By Anne Kangero
