At least 10 people were killed and 21 others injured in a grisly road accident in the coastal city of Mombasa on Saturday, a humanitarian organization said.
St John Ambulance Communication Manager Fred Majiwa confirmed the incident, saying at least four people died on the spot while six others succumbed to injuries at the hospital in an early morning accident which involved a bus and an oil tanker at Mariakani Weigh Bridge in Mombasa.
“Ten dead, 21 injured in a bus-truck collision.
“Casualties have been transferred to local hospital,” Majiwa said.
He added that the bus was carrying Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) members to Nairobi from a youth conference in Mombasa.
The bus was hit from the side by the truck while trying to overtake another vehicle.
Eye witnesses said the crude oil tanker which was carrying fuel did not explode on impact.
Analysts say the accidents have been on the increase in Kenya this year but the police have blamed drivers who often float traffic rules.
The accidents are usually common during festive season as thousands of people travel up country for the celebrations.
According to the Kenya police, more than three quarters of those killed through road accidents are males and about half are children.
About 57 percent are vulnerable road users, motor cyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.
The incident comes as humanitarian agency launched highway emergency rescue centers to help reduce rising road accidents in various parts of the East African nation.
The Highway Emergency Rescue Project (HERP) set up by St John Ambulance Kenya are manned by community volunteers who live or work nearby and have been trained in first aid, emergency response and firefighting.
“The centers are stocked with first aid and firefighting materials like stretchers, blankets, bandages, and fire extinguishers, but there is need for ambulances to help those who are severely hurt,” Majiwa said recently.
Majiwa said the rescue centers in practically all black spots in the country will drastically reduce the number of road carnage in the East African nation.
News Source: Coastweek.com
