26 injured after bus veers off Narok-Mai Mahiu road

Twenty six passengers were Tuesday evening injured when a bus they were travelling in hit an electric pole near Suswa Trading Centre.

The bus veered off the accident prone Narok-Mai Mahiu road before hitting the pole and landed on its side.

Narok police boss Paul Leiting said the Nairobi-bound bus bus that was traveling from Kisii could have lost control after the driver dozed while on the steering wheel.

“The driver himself told the police that the steering wheel locked and he could not control the bus, but our investigations indicate that the wheel had no problems,” said Mr Leiting.

Speaking at the scene, Mr Leiting said some travellers who had not buckled their safety belts sustained minor injuries as they were thrown from their seats.

TREATED AND DISCHARGED

He said that six passengers were taken to Narok County Hospital where they were treated and allowed to proceed with their journey.

The accident comes after another one occurred along the same road last week in which four people died and two others escaped with serious injuries when two private vehicles collided at Duka Moja.

According to police reports, 38 people have been killed and 60 others injured in separate accidents along the Narok-Mai Mahiu road in the last six months.

Police blamed most of the accidents on speeding, drink driving, inconsiderate use of the road and inexperience among drivers.

The road links Nairobi, Narok, Bomet and Nyanza and is the main route to the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

“The road is very busy during this (festive) period as many people are heading home for the December celebrations and others are going for holiday vacations to various lodges in the game reserve.

“Drivers must be careful to ensure they arrive at the destinations safely,” said Mr Leiting.