All passengers stranded aboard a bus in Tana River county have been rescued, Kenya Red Cross has confirmed.
In an update, the Kenya Red Cross said the rescue mission prioritized women, children and sick people before other citizens.
The humanitarian agency also confirmed that efforts to rescue other commuters stranded in the area are currently ongoing.
“All passengers aboard the bus have now been rescued, with priority initially given to women, children, and those who were sick. However, our efforts are ongoing as we continue to rescue other commuters who were stranded due to the road being cut off at Arer near Tulla Bridge, Tana River County,” Kenya Red Cross said.
All passengers aboard the bus have now been rescued, with priority initially given to women, children, and those who were sick.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 9, 2024
However, our efforts are ongoing as we continue to rescue other commuters who were stranded due to the road being cut off at Arer near Tulla Bridge,… https://t.co/KaIVHbNjDx pic.twitter.com/YTKZSojC51
Rescue mission
The agency began its rescue mission on Tuesday at 9.35 am after the passengers were trapped in the bus following heavy rains in Arer near Tulla Village.
“Kenya Red Cross first responders in collaboration with community members are currently engaged in a challenging rescue operation to save the lives of several people stranded aboard a bus that has been marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County,” a statement by the humanitarian agency read earlier.
“The incident occurred following a heavy downpour. We have dispatched two rescue boats to ensure swift and effective response.”
Kenya Red Cross was notified after a member of the public called police for help at 2.40 am on Tuesday.
The bus registered under number plate KDN 059X had been marooned by the flooding water at 12.30 am, during the unfortunate incident.
Police said the bus ferrying 49 passengers was headed to Nairobi from Garissa.
“The bus, driven by one Hassan Turbo, was travelling from Wajir heading towards Nairobi via Garissa with 49 passengers on board and upon reaching within Chuma Mrefu area while attempting to cross a flooded section of the road following a heavy downpour, the bus slipped out of the road and got stuck into a ditch,” the police report read in parts.
Police added that the bus was swept away by the waters before getting stuck off the highway.
