Residents of Chomo area in Gatanga have called on the government to repair a bridge that has claimed the lives of hundreds of travellers over the years.
Wachengu bridge along Chomo-Kahunyo road, has been without guard-rails for many year despite being on a sharp, sloppy corner.
On Saturday night, the residents were seething with anger after a matatu veered off the bridge and fell into Kiama river, killing six people.
Julius Waruingi, one of the victims, said they have for many years been appealing to have the bridge repaired but that their pleas have been falling on deaf years.
Waruingi said they were travelling from Kiambaa in Kiambu county where they had attended his cousin’s dowry when the accident happened.
Just after diverting from Thika-Gatanga road and joining Chomo-Kahunyo road, the vehicle experienced brake failure and sped off along the slope towards the river.
“By the time we were realising that the vehicle’s brakes had failed, we were at the bridge and the driver couldn’t negotiate the corner. I think he thought he could,” Waruingi said.
In seconds, Waruingi said the vehicle plunged into the river and the 14 people on board went into panic mode, screaming for help. Well-wishers helped retrieve them from the sinking vehicle but six people unfortunately lost their lives.
The six included five family members and one woman that the driver had picked at Gatunyu shopping centre near Thika. Waruingi said it took hours before being ferried to the hospital.
“Eventually, we were transported to Kirwara Level 4 hospital on a pick-up after which some of us were referred to Murang’a Level Five hospital. Four were admitted at Kirwara,” he added.
Waruingi suffered head injuries and was set to be discharged along with three others while one will continue undergoing treatment at the facility.
He noted he would have to travel through the same road where five of his relatives died just hours before as he watched. “It’s a disgrace that something like guardrails can cause such a loss. That’s such a small thing. Why can’t the concerned people do anything about it? Are they waiting for more people to die?” he asked.
On social media platforms, hundreds of residents poured their anger, calling for immediate action.
