NAKURU, Kenya, Apr 1 – Pwani University has been shut down due to rising tension and uncertainty following the road accident that killed 17 people.
In a statement, Vice Chancellor Mohamed Rajab indicated that this period will allow the students and staff to undergo counselling following the tragedy.
The VC stated further that the institution’s academic calendar has been reorganized.
The accident involved a Pwani University bus and three other vehicles on the Naivasha-Nakuru road.
Police said the Pwani University students were going to the National Sports Games at the Chepkoilel campus in Eldoret when their bus rammed onto three vehicles and lost control.
A police report seen by Capital FM states that the accident occurred at Kayole Bridge on the Naivasha-Nakuru highway at 12:30pm.
“14 people died on the spot and we have many others injured,” a police officer said.
All the four vehicles were headed to the Nakuru general direction.
Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua said the fatalities from the Thursday accident could be higher because the rescue and recovery operation was still on.
He observed that more bodies could be trapped in the wreckage of the university bus and a 14-seater matatu.
A witness said the bus driver lost control while heading down to Nakuru direction from Kinungi and hit a matatu that was joining the road after picking up a passenger.
A resident who witnessed the accident, Ruth Ngina said the Matatu was hit from the back and rammed the lorry that pushed it into the trench.