Traffic Rules Party Bus That Killed 12 In Meru Broke

It has emerged that the bus that was involved in a grisly road accident that killed 12 people in the Subuiga area along the Meru-Nanyuki Road on Saturday, October 8 had broken a number of laws by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Officers investigating the accident revealed that the vehicle, a Party on Wheels bus, was believed not to have been in possession of a valid inspection certificate so that it could be fit to use the road. The certificate that was recovered at the time of the accident expired on July 15, 2021.

The bus also lacked a road service licence which showed its registration number, route served, contact of the Sacco, Sacco name and expiry date of the license despite serving as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV).

Wreckage of the bus that was involved in an accident on Saturday, October 8, 2022. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

Laura Khatiebi, Deputy Sub-county Commander, Buuri West revealed on Monday, October 10 that the bus driver had lost control and hit several other vehicles towards different directions.

"He hit another motor vehicle from the rear and rammed another vehicle, pushing it into a fence," Khatiebi explained to the media.

The bus, according to photos shared online in the aftermath of the incident, was customised to a party-like look and feel to transport passengers.

It reportedly came with a minibar which travellers could access from, stocked with a number of drinks for revellers to enjoy while travelling. The bus also had a DJ booth, screens, speakers and LED light as well as a sink, among other features customised to attract customers who book the bus for road trips and adventures.

The law enforcement officers investigating the accident have since summoned the bus owner to record a statement and provide an explanation as to why the bus was operating without the necessary documents.

NTSA is yet to issue a statement regarding the validity of the bus.

Medics who attended to the injured indicated that 21 were still admitted at St Theresa Kiirua Hospital and that two had already been discharged. Three other patients were released to recover at home at their own request while seven more were rushed to Lifecare Hospital for further assessment. 

Bodies of the dead were moved to the Meru Level IV Hospital mortuary.

Police had indicated that the accident claimed the lives of some of the people who were travelling to attend a music show that was to be graced by Nigerian musician Ruger in the area.