Guardian Angel Bus Bursts Into Flames Along Waiyaki Way at Gitaru Interchange
A major scare occurred on Monday morning after a Guardian Angel bus caught fire at the Gitaru Interchange, along Waiyaki Way, sparking panic among tens of passengers.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened as the bus, travelling towards Wangige, suddenly burst into flames at the rear. Passengers were seen desperately scrambling to safety as the fire spread quickly from the back of the vehicle.
Images and videos circulating online show the left rear side of the bus badly damaged, with witnesses pointing out that the fire appeared to have originated from the rear wheels. It is believed that the rear wheels jammed, possibly leading to excessive heat buildup and eventual combustion.
Fortunately, firefighters responded swiftly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread to the front of the bus or nearby vehicles. Thanks to the quick action of the rescue teams, no casualties were reported. All passengers were safely evacuated.
Traffic officers at the scene worked to disperse curious onlookers, with warnings that the fire could reignite, especially given the highly flammable nature of bus tyres. The incident caused a temporary traffic disruption at the busy Gitaru Interchange as emergency crews dealt with the aftermath.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of bus fires across Kenya. Long-distance buses, in particular, have been increasingly prone to such accidents. Just last August, a 60-seater bus burst into flames at Mtito Andei along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, with preliminary investigations citing mechanical failure.
Experts note that bus fires can be caused by several factors, including engine malfunctions, electrical faults, and brake overheating. In the case of the Guardian Angel bus, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by overheated brakes. Long-distance travel, particularly through hilly terrains and high-traffic areas, places enormous stress on rear brakes, sometimes leading to fires when combined with poor vehicle maintenance.
Jammed axles and worn-out brake parts create intense friction, generating enough heat to ignite flammable materials like tyres. Transport safety advocates are now calling for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance standards to prevent such life-threatening incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, passengers and road users are being urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of mechanical trouble during their travels.
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Guardian Angel Bus Bursts Into Flames Along Waiyaki Way at Gitaru Interchange