The
National Transport and Safety Authority has cautioned the public against hiring
or travelling in buses belonging to public institutions that do not meet the
set road safety regulations.
NTSA’s
caution comes after a bus belonging to AIC Kathithyamaa was involved in an
accident along the Masii-Tawa road in Machakos County claiming five lives on Saturday night.
“The
road safety regulations are clear on night travels and use of public
institution vehicles and the public should adhere to them to avoid such
fatalities,” NTSA Director General Francis Meja said in a statement.
The victims were among family and friends travelling back to Mwala after
attending a dowry payment ceremony in Kiteta, Mbooni sub-county. 54 other passengers were injured in the accident.
Meja
also issued a stern warning against institutions that flout road safety regulations
which include hiring out their buses saying appropriate measures will be taken
against them.
It
is widely believed that the accident happened because the driver of the hired
bus was travelling on unfamiliar road and was speeding.
The
bus is also said to have been carrying excess passengers at the time of the
accident.
“NTSA
regrets the loss of lives and condones with the families of the victims,”
concluded Meja.
