The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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One person has died and several others sustained serious injuries after a matatu carrying mourners veered off the road and fell into River Nyakibaai in Gatundu, according to eyewitnesses.
Survivors told the press that the vehicle, transporting mourners from a funeral in Nakuru to Gatumbi village, experienced mechanical issues on the way, including a punctured tyre and brake problems, before the crash occurred.
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Joyce Muthoni Irungu from Gatumbi village recounted that the matatu first had a tyre puncture en route to the funeral. After the tyre was replaced, smoke began emitting from one of the wheels on the return journey, prompting a stop as the driver expressed concerns about the brakes.
Passengers said they were assisted with brake oil and resumed the trip, but the problem resurfaced later at night. Grace Kimani from Gachocho village said smoke was visible from the rear wheel, and the driver warned that the brakes were failing. About 30 minutes later, the vehicle veered off the road, rolled down a hill, and stopped near the riverbank.
Local authorities and rescuers reported that 18 people, including children, were pulled from the wreckage, with some still trapped in surrounding vegetation as rescue operations continued into the night.
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Dr. Brian Nganda of Murang’a County Referral Hospital said the facility received word of the accident around 4 a.m. and dispatched ambulances. “We received six patients at the hospital, most with multiple fractures and deep cuts. They were stabilised and sent for imaging,” he said.
Kinyona MCA Liz Muthoni confirmed the incident, noting that one middle-aged woman lost her life while 18 others were rescued from the scene.
