Eight people died while scores others were seriously injured following a grisly road accident, along the Nyamira-Ikonge road
The deceased died on the spot while eight other passengers aboard the ill-fated matatu sustained serious injuries after a matatu and a trailer were involved in a collision at the Bwarani-Tombe area in Nyamira.
Nyamira County Referral Hospital (NCRH) Medical Superintendent Dr. Angela Ogendi confirmed to the press that they received eight bodies and eight people with injuries of varying magnitude.
“Last night we received eight bodies following a ghastly road accident in Nyamira and out of the eight that sustained serious injuries, five are in very critical condition and admitted in the ICU and three have been managed and are in the general ward. Two patients out the eight are admitted to the ICU and will be referred to be attended by specialized neurosurgeons because they sustained serious head injuries,” Dr. Anjella confirmed.
According to the Incident Report from Ekerenyo Police Station, the incident happened around 20:00 hrs on Saturday, involving a trailer headed towards the general direction of Ikonge from Ekerenyo and a Nissan Matatu belonging to Quarser SACCO headed to Nyamira.
The trailer failed to keep to its proper lane, colliding head-on with the Nissan Matatu in the Bwarani-Tombe area. Due to the impact, five adults and one juvenile died on the spot.
Governor Amos Nyaribo, who visited the injured at the Nyamira referral hospital on Sunday morning, said this incident was so fatal and one of the worst in this area and even the country this month. He sent sincere condolences to those who had lost their loved ones who were almost alighting at the Nyamira town main stage. He wished those still recuperating at the hospital a speedy recovery.
“May the bereaved families receive sincere condolences. My government will form a special committee to collaborate with the affected families to fully support them during burial arrangements. We shall further ensure those who have been recommended for referral for specialized neurological operations are assisted,” the governor assured.
Mr. Jones Kebaso said the tragic accident left the wife to his brother and her one-year-old minor dead.
The medical superintendent said his two nephews, who sustained serious head injuries, will be referred for specialized head surgery.
The Governor appealed to road users, especially the drivers, to be careful and drive within the regulated speed, particularly this time when very many people are travelling for festivities.
“Our lives are more important than rushing to make more money,” Nyaribo stressed.
By Deborah Bochere
