The bus was traveling from Uganda to Nairobi
The early hours of January 29, 2024, witnessed a heart-wrenching tragedy on the Kisumu-Nairobi Highway, a solemn testament to the unpredictability of life and the imperative need for vigilance on the road. In the quietude of the morning, in the Othoo area of Nyando Sub-County, a calamitous event unfolded, casting a shadow over the hearts of many.
A bus, operated by the Super Metro Company and journeying from Kampala to Nairobi, collided head-on with a lorry in a harrowing accident. This dreadful incident, occurring around 2:30 am, was not just a collision of vehicles, but a shattering of lives and dreams. The initial toll was heavy, claiming 11 precious lives – including two women, eight men, and a young teenager. Tragically, the toll rose to 17, as six more passengers, critically wounded, later passed away at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.
The local community, alongside the police and the compassionate Red Cross team, responded with haste and empathy, rushing to the scene to rescue and comfort the injured and trapped. Over 50 passengers, each with a story, a family, a life, were hospitalized, receiving care at Ahero Sub-county Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The aftermath of the accident left a deep scar, not only on the mangled vehicles, now resting at Ahero police station for investigation, but more so on the hearts of those connected to the victims. Families, friends, and the entire community felt the ripple of this tragedy, a poignant reminder of the fragility of our existence and the impact of our actions.
As the Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Allan Mwangi reported, the bus driver’s attempt to overtake may have led to this tragedy, underscoring the dire consequences of risky road maneuvers. This incident serves as a grim beacon, urging all to uphold the highest standards of road safety and responsibility.
Kisumu City News
