Seven killed, two escape as floods sweep away Probox
A Probox that was swept by floods at Karati, Kinangop Constituency. Seven people died in the April 22, 2018 accident. PHOTO | WAIKWA MAINA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kinangop Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Nyameti said the seven were part of nine people who were travelling from Naivasha town to Kinangop.
- Their Probox car was swept away by floods along Naivasha-Njabini road on Sunday morning.
- The accident occurred at Karati village, about 15 kilometers from Njabini town.
The seven people have died after a car they were travelling in was swept by floods at Karati area in Kinangop Constituency.
The seven, including three women and four men, were from the same village in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Their Probox car was swept away by floods along Naivasha-Njabini road on Sunday morning.
Njabini Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Nyameti said the Probox had nine passengers but two managed to jump out of the moving car.
The accident occurred at Karati village, about 15 kilometers from Njabini town.
Mr Nyameti said police suspected the driver lost control of the vehicle due to poor visibility as it was raining heavily.
LOST CONTROL
“The accident happened along Githioro-Naivasha road past Githabai market. We suspect the driver lost control before hitting a culvert and rolled severally,” said Mr Nyameti.
Speaking at the scene of the accident, area an Administration Police boss Muthee Karani said: “We believe the occupants had hired the car and they were heading back home, the bodies were moved to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary, while the wreckage was towed to Haraka police station.”
Meanwhile, at least 100 families spent Saturday night in the cold after their houses were flooded in Karuturi area.
Flash floods, sweeping through the hilly Hells Gate, caught the families by surprise, forcing them to seek refuge at nearby entertainment joints.
CONDOLENCE
A victim, Robison Ogwedhi said the water swept through their houses at around midnight.
"Unfortunately, most of the people including children, spent their night in a bar," he said.
Following the deaths, leaders on Sunday sent messages of condolence to friends and relatives of the seven victims who died Sunday morning along Kinangop-Naivasha road.
Led by Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia and County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich, the leaders urged drivers to observe traffic rules, avoid speeding and overloading.
OVERLOADED
“I convey my condolences to the family and friends of the seven people who drowned at Githabai Ward-Midland junction this morning. I urge motorists to be extra careful during the rainy season and avoid unfamiliar roads,” said Governor Kimemia.
Mr Cherutich said it was unfortunate the Probox was overloaded.
“We urge drivers to be extra careful, do not gamble with your life or that of your passengers,” he said.
