In a joint statement issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), authorities have addressed the devastating collision that occurred on the Busia-Kisumu highway involving a fuel tanker and a bus from the Tahmeed bus company.
The statement, released on Friday, conveyed the grim reality of the accident, where ten individuals were involved, resulting in two fatalities and leaving eight passengers currently undergoing treatment at the Busia County Referral Hospital.
"A fatal crash involving a petroleum tanker and a bus has occurred along the Busia Kisumu highway," the statement read.
"Ten (10) persons were involved in the crash and unfortunately two (2) succumbed to their injuries. Eight (8) passengers are currently receiving treatment at the Busia County Referral Hospital."
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The severity of the crash was underscored by the extensive damage suffered by the prime mover of the tanker and the tragic loss of life.
"Preliminary reports indicate lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking by the tanker driver as the probable causes of the crash," the statement highlighted.
It emphasized ongoing investigations by a multi-agency team to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Despite the catastrophic nature of the collision, the integrity of the fuel tanker's trailer and bulk tank remained intact, averting a potential environmental disaster with no leakage of the bulk diesel being transported.
The swift response of emergency services ensured the crash scene was secured, mitigating further risks.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, George Njao, EBS, Director General of NTSA, and Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, MBS, OGW, Director General of EPRA, extended condolences to the bereaved and wished a swift recovery to those undergoing treatment.
With the official statement setting the tone, the tragic background of the collision unfolds, revealing the harrowing details of the incident that shook Mundika in Busia county.
A Mombasa-bound Tahmeed Bus collided head-on with a fuel tanker, engulfing both vehicles in flames.
Reports from the Busia County Referral Hospital indicated that two individuals perished in the fiery crash, while nine others sustained injuries, including burns.
Among the survivors were six males, two females, and a child, all of whom endured the terrifying ordeal.
Busia County Commissioner, Mwachaunga Chaunga, provided insight into the collision, attributing it to the failure of the tanker to maintain its lane, resulting in a catastrophic collision with the oncoming bus.
"The tanker registration KBK 983T/ZD 4189 make was heading to Busia border from Kisumu and failed to keep to its proper lane to the right hitting the oncoming motor vehicle registration number KCV 296R Make Scania bus," Chaunga stated.
The collision sparked a ferocious blaze, consuming the vehicles and claiming lives.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Busia County Governor, Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the collision.
He praised the swift response of emergency services and emphasized ongoing rescue efforts to address the situation.
"This afternoon, a fuel tanker and a passenger bus were involved in a head-on collision at Mundika, Busia County, along the Kisumu-Busia highway. As a result, my officers, with the help of the Kenya Police and Kenya Red Cross, have swiftly swung into action, and rescue efforts are ongoing," Otuoma said.
As investigations into the collision continue, authorities are grappling with the sobering reality of road safety, highlighting the importance of adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on the nation's highways.
