Two people lost their lives following a tragic road accident that occurred at the notorious Nithi bridge in Tharaka Nithi County.
According to Tharaka Nithi County Police Commander Zacheus Ngeno, the accident involved a lorry transporting bananas from Meru to Nairobi.
The driver of the vehicle is reported to have lost control of the vehicle while crossing the bridge before plunging into the river.
“By the time of going to press one body had already been retrieved while the other remained trapped in the wreckage,” said Mr Ngeno, confirming the ongoing recovery operation.
The accident happened just days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited Maara Constituency, where he assured residents that the government had set aside Sh8 billion for the redesigning of the bridge.
Residents have since expressed frustration over the slow pace of the project, saying the bridge has continued to claim lives due to its poor state.
“This bridge has become a death trap. We are tired of seeing bodies being pulled out of the river,” said Ms Muthoni Njagi, a resident who also urged the government to expedite the planned redesigning.
Another resident Mr Loy Bundi, echoed the sentiments, calling on authorities to act swiftly and fulfil their pledge to fix the bridge.
The Nithi Bridge, which connects Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties along the busy Meru–Nairobi highway, has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the years, raising safety concerns among motorists and residents alike.
The body of the deceased was removed to Chuka Referral and Teaching Hospital mortuary.
Mr Ng’eno urged motorists to observe traffic rules while approaching the bridge to avoid further accidents even as they await the redesigning.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
