Tragedy Strikes on Kenya’s Scenic Route: Five Indian Tourists Dead, Many Injured in Nyandarua Bus Crash
A joyous journey turned tragic for a group of Indian-origin tourists traveling through Kenya’s picturesque landscapes.
On a seemingly routine trip from the famed Maasai Mara to Nyahururu, a catastrophic road accident in Nyandarua County has claimed the lives of five tourists and left dozens more injured. The incident unfolded in Gichaka village along the Nakuru-Ol-Joro Ork road, sending shockwaves across the tourism sector and raising urgent questions about road safety in the region.
According to reports, the minibus carrying the tourists suffered brake failure while descending a steep hill near Ol-Joro Orok. In a desperate bid to navigate a sharp corner near Uhuru Comprehensive School at Gichaka, the driver, who survived the crash, lost control of the vehicle.
The bus then plunged into a ditch, rolling multiple times before finally coming to rest in a potato farm. The violent overturn left the vehicle’s roof completely ripped off, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Nyandarua County Police Commander, Stella Cherono, confirmed that five passengers died instantly at the scene. The survivors, many bearing multiple injuries, were swiftly evacuated to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital, with others transferred to St. Benedict Hospital in Nyahururu and medical facilities in Nakuru for urgent treatment.
Among the survivors, one recounted the terrifying moment, recalling a loud bang before waking up in the hospital, a grim testament to the crash’s brutal impact.
The number of tourists accounted for stands at 25, but the full extent of injuries is still being assessed. Medical teams at Nyahururu hospital worked tirelessly to stabilize the wounded, highlighting the critical role of emergency response services in such disasters.
This heartbreaking accident not only highlights the fragility of life on Kenya’s roads but also puts a spotlight on the need for rigorous vehicle maintenance and road safety measures, especially on routes frequented by tourists. As Kenya continues to position itself as a premier destination for international visitors, ensuring their safety must be paramount.
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