Home News No deaths, all 51 passengers in Tana River accident rescued

No deaths, all 51 passengers in Tana River accident rescued

608
0
[The ongoing rescue operations at Maroro area in Tana River County. The Ill-fated bus was carrying 51 passengers. All passengers has been accounted for. Photo/KRCS/April, 09, 24].

All the 51 passengers who were travelling from Garissa to Nairobi and their bus swept away by raging floods in Mororo area between Madogo and Tana River Bridge, Tana River county have been rescued.

According to Madogo Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Joseph Kipkorir the Umma Express bus registration number KDM598X left Garissa at 11:30 pm in full capacity of 51 passengers, but on reaching Maroro area between Madogo and Tana River bridge it was swept by the heavy floods.

“No casualties, all the 51 passengers have been rescued through the roof top of the bus. The Kenya Redcross Disaster Management team and locals teamed up to a successful rescue mission,” he said.

The driver of the bus Hassan Rage helped in identifying all the passengers he was carrying enroute Wajir-Garissa-Nairobi, and all accounted for.

Meawhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed down the Nairobi-Garissa highway after Umma Express bus carrying a total of 51 passengers was swept by raging floods.

“KeNHA informs the public of the closure of Nairobi – Garissa (A3) Road due to flooding at the Mororo area between Madogo and Tana River Bridge. The flooding is as a result of the ongoing heavy rains which has occasioned rising water in Tana River,” KeNHA stated.

“KENYA Red Cross first responders in collaboration with community members engaged in a challenging rescue operation to save the lives of the 51 passengers stranded aboard the bus that was marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County,” Tana River County Police Commander Ali Ndiema confirmed.

Ndiema said the accident happened at around 11:30 pm on Monday night.

KeNHA is urging motorists to use alternative routes.

 

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here