NAIROBI, Kenya

Eleven people were killed Tuesday when a bus plunged into a river in Mbeere North Constituency in Embu in eastern Kenya.

Eastern Kenya Regional Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru told reporters that nine people were rushed to hospital in critical condition but 41 escaped from the bus with minor injuries.

“The driver could not climb a steep hill, so he put the bus in reverse. The bus lost control and plunged into a river. These deaths have been due to human error. So many people were hurt.”

“The bus with a capacity of 21 was carrying 61 passengers, that is three times its capacity,” he said. “This bus was not roadworthy, the last time the bus underwent inspection was in 2020 and deemed un-roadworthy. The bus owner exploited the fact that it operated in a rural area to continue operation.”

The majority of people hurt or killed in the accident were elderly people who were traveling to sign up for a government project that provides financial support to the elderly.

“We have ordered a manhunt of the driver of the ill-fated vehicle who escaped after the accident alongside the owner who will be equally held liable for the accident,” said Nakoru.

Police have launched a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles in the area.​​​​​​​