On August 29, 2024, a passenger bus traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa caught fire near Mtito Andei, a location within the Tsavo National Park.
The incident occurred during the morning hours, leading to significant traffic disruptions along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
Fortunately, all passengers aboard the 60-seater bus managed to escape without injury.
The bus, belonging to Coast bus company, was carrying approximately 40 passengers when it suddenly burst into flames.
Reports accounts suggest that the fire originated from the rear wheel, attributed to brake fluid leakage. As the flames quickly engulfed the bus, passengers reacted swiftly, evacuating the vehicle and ensuring their safety.
Consequently, Images and videos from the scene depict a dramatic situation, with smoke billowing from the bus as flames consumed it.
The quick response of the passengers and nearby motorists played a crucial role in preventing injuries. Emergency services were alerted, but by the time they arrived, the bus was already fully engulfed in flames.
The fire caused significant traffic delays on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, a critical route for both commercial and passenger transport.
Authorities worked to manage the situation, directing traffic around the incident site to minimize congestion.
In light of this incident, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is likely to increase inspections and regulations for public transport vehicles.
Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant while traveling and report any signs of mechanical issues to the driver.
The incident reported no casualties. However, according to NTSA reports, road accidents claim over 4,000 lives annually and cause serious injuries to many others.
They revealed that road accidents primarily result from unworthy vehicles. Tyre bursts, brake failures, and reckless driving often lead to accidents involving most cars.
A series of accidents has been occurring on major highways across the country. Just recently on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, a newly imported range rover collided with a canter leading to the death of two people.
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