A 14-seater matatu carrying school children overturned early Monday near Garden City Mall along Thika Road, injuring several pupils and causing major traffic delays.
Eyewitnesses said the bright pink matatu, which lacked the mandatory yellow school transport stripe, sped along the innermost lane. It suddenly swerved, lost control, and flipped onto its roof.
“I heard a loud screech followed by a bang. The vehicle somersaulted and landed upside down,” recounted James Waweru, a boda boda rider. “Some children were crying inside. We rushed to pull them out through the broken windows.”
Quick-thinking passersby and riders joined the rescue before emergency services arrived. Social media showed stunned children sitting by the roadside, clutching schoolbags and waiting for help.
Emergency responders took at least six students to nearby hospitals for precautionary checkups. None suffered life-threatening injuries, though several had cuts, bruises, and signs of shock.
Police arrived shortly after the crash. They managed traffic, began an investigation, and noted the matatu wasn’t marked for school transport and might not meet safety standards.
“Initial findings suggest speeding and driver negligence,” said a traffic officer at the scene. “We’re reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with the driver.”
The crash worsened an already heavy jam, stretching from Githurai 45 to Roysambu for almost two hours. Authorities advised motorists to use alternate routes as they cleared the wreckage.
Parents and onlookers expressed concern over school transport safety. “It’s heartbreaking. These children deserve better protection,” said Mary Atieno, a parent who arrived after recognizing her daughter in a video.
Police are inspecting the matatu and questioning its operator as part of their ongoing investigation.
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