Modern Coast bus company on Saturday, December 7, 2024, confirmed a fire incident involving one of its buses plying the Nairobi- Kampala route.
In a statement, the transportation company explained that bus number Modern 4 burst into flames near Gilgil Weigh Bridge along the Naivasha-Nakuru highway.
The company however informed the country that no passenger onboard was left injured following the life-threatening fire incident
“All customers on board were evacuated safely and harmlessly. We are beholden for the instantaneous efforts that ensured everyone’s safety,” Modern Coast’s statement read in part.
Assurance to customers
Following the ordeal, Modern Coast announced that investigations had been launched to establish the cause of the fire.
Nonetheless, it also assured passengers that another bus had been deployed to help them complete their journey.
“We dispatched another bus to take the customers and complete the journey that was cut short by fire eventuality. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Modern Coast stated.
“We understand this occurrence may have caused consequential inconvenience and distress and we sincerely apologize for any impact it has had on our customers and road users.”
Kanja’s warning
The incident comes days after the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced a multi-agency crackdown on the road during this festive season.
“We call upon all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers to comply with traffic regulations and rules by avoiding operating unroadworthy motor vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and careless driving,” Kanja stated.
Further, the Police Chief expressed concern over the rising cases of accidents in the country, disclosing that the country recorded 3,681 fatal accidents between January and November 2024, a 6 per cent increase from the 3,469 cases reported in the same period in 2023.
The number of total victims also rose by 7 per cent, from 20,239 in 2023 to 21,620 in 2024, with 4,282 people fatally injured this year.
