MOURNER BURNT TO DEATH, 11 INJURED IN FREAK ACCIDENT

This photo shows the matatu in which mourners were travelling in burning in the background after it rolled several times when its driver veered off the road to avoid hitting an oncoming vehicle on August 26, 2016. PHOTO | COURTESY 

By ANITA CHEPKOECH

A mourner was burnt to death while 11 suffered severe burns when a matatu they were travelling veered off the road, rolled several times before going up in flames on the Kisumu-Muhoroni road on Friday.

The mourners were ferrying the body of their relative from Nakuru to Sidindi, Ugenya constituency in Siaya County for burial, said Nyanza Regional Rraffic Commander Andrew Naibei.
“The vehicle rolled times with the casket but it was left intact despite the fire and rolling. One of them was burnt beyond recognition.  Eleven of mourners sustained serious burns in the explosion,” said Mr Naibei.

One mourner burnt to death while 11 others were seriously injured after the matatu they were ferrying the body of a relative to Siaya for burial veered off the Kisumu-Muhoroni road. The casket remained intact during the freak accident that happened. PHOTO | ANITA CHEPKOECH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Mr Fredrick Ojwang, an eyewitness who was driving behind the matatu, blamed the accident on a tyre burst that forced the vehicle to veer off the road, rolling several times and bursting into flames.

“We broke the door of the matatu and started pulling out passengers. They were badly burnt and by the time we evacuated the last person, one had already died,” said Mr Ojwang.

The coffin fell on the side of the road before the vehicle burst into flames.

Witnesses said the matatu driver was trying to avoid a head-collision with an oncoming vehicle.

The injured were taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital in Kisumu.
SOURCE: NATION