At least 32 people have died in tragic circumstances when a bus was dragged into a flooded river in Kitui County, Kenya on 04 December 2021.
The Governor of Kitui County, Charity Ngilu, said “a bus carrying Catholic faithfuls was swept away while attempting to cross a swollen river Enziu in Nguni, Mwingi.” It is thought the bus was carrying passengers, which included choir members, to a wedding.
Teams of emergency workers from government, Kenya Red Cross and law enforcement agencies were at the scene “doing everything possible to search and rescue as well as recovery,” the governor said.
It is not known how many passengers were on the bus. As of 04 December, 21 bodies had been found and 17 people had survived.
As of 05 December the bus wreckage had been retrieved from the river. Early 06 December the government of Kitui County confirmed 32 people had died in the tragedy. Recovery efforts were continuing to ensure no bodies are left behind trapped at the river bed, Charity Ngilu said.
Social Media
Wedding Guests Perish After School Bus Capsizes In Mwingi. pic.twitter.com/MIRDXQe9yG
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) December 4, 2021
This afternoon tragedy has struck Kitui County. A bus carrying Catholic faithfuls was swept away while attempting to cross a swollen river Enziu in Nguni, Mwingi. Rescue efforts are ongoing. So far there are 17 survivors and regrettably 21 bodies have been recovered. pic.twitter.com/1VqF5U6g3z
— Charity Ngilu (@mamangilu) December 4, 2021
