A fatal road accident on the Busia-Kisumu highway has left two individuals dead and eight others hospitalized. The tragic incident involved a collision between a Tahmeed bus and a fuel tanker at Mundika, a few kilometers from Busia town.
Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred when the fuel tanker, traveling from Kisumu, lost control while attempting to overtake a Probox vehicle. The tanker collided with the bus, causing it to overturn. Tragically, the bus caught fire after being struck by the leaking fuel from the tanker.
The casualties of the accident were identified as the driver of the tanker and his assistant. Prompt response from rescue teams helped in swiftly evacuating passengers from the burning bus and extinguishing the flames.
Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga, commended the swift response of the rescue teams, which contributed to saving lives and minimizing further damage. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and provided updates on the injured victims.
“We received distressing news this afternoon about an accident at Mundika involving a Tahmeed Bus and a fuel tanker from Kisumu. Lives were lost, but we managed to rescue six individuals who are currently receiving treatment at Busia County Referral Hospital,” stated Commissioner Mwachaunga.
Dr. Emma Namulala, the Medical Superintendent at Busia County Referral Hospital, confirmed that most of the admitted patients sustained multiple injuries. However, one patient with severe head injuries required specialized treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
“We received a total of eight patients with various injuries. After conducting x-rays and examinations, we referred one patient to MTRH in Eldoret for specialized care,” Dr. Namulala explained, expressing condolences for the loss of the tanker’s driver and assistant.
In response to the accident, residents of Busia, led by Mary Atieno, called upon the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to upgrade the condition of the roads within the county. They highlighted the narrowness of the roads, which are frequently used by heavy trucks, motorbikes, and pedestrians.
“The Busia-Kisumu and Eldoret-Malaba highways are becoming increasingly congested, posing risks to road users. We urge the government to consider dualizing these roads to prevent accidents that have claimed numerous lives and caused lasting physical and psychological harm,” urged Atieno during a press briefing.
The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for road safety measures and infrastructure improvements to prevent further loss of life on Kenya’s highways.