Tragedy in Kirinyaga: Two Killed After Pickup Plunges Into River Nyamindi
A tragic accident unfolded on Thursday evening in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, as a pickup truck carrying five people veered off the road and plunged into River Nyamindi at the Kaboro Bridge. Two of the occupants, now confirmed dead, were trapped in the submerged vehicle, while three others managed to escape with injuries.
Gichugu Sub-County Police Commander confirmed the 7pm incident, revealing that the vehicle was transporting logs to Kiamugumo Village in Ngariama Ward when it lost control. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
“We are still investigating the cause of the accident. Our team has been at the scene since last night, working with local residents to recover the vehicle and retrieve the bodies,” said the police commander.
Ngariama Ward MCA Daniel Muriithi Kibinga identified the victims as Grace Kithii Njeru, a secretary at Kiamugumo Girls Secondary School, and her nephew, Vincent Kiura, who was driving the vehicle.
“The man, who was the driver, was a nephew to the woman. It is heartbreaking, especially because her husband, who worked as a banker, passed away recently,” Kibinga said.
He also highlighted the poor condition of the road at Kaboro Bridge, suggesting it may have contributed to the accident. The bridge, with no proper guardrails and surrounded by steep terrain, poses a significant danger to motorists.
Efforts to recover the bodies and the vehicle have been challenged by strong river currents and the presence of large rocks. Local residents from Karucho and Mbiri braved the night at the riverbank to assist in rescue operations, eventually recovering the vehicle’s number plate.
Led by resident Joseph Kamau, the community is now demanding immediate government intervention to improve road safety in the area.
“The road from Karucho to Mbiri is in terrible shape. We are demanding that it be murramed and fitted with safety guardrails to prevent future accidents,” Kamau said.
As the village of Gichugu mourns the tragic loss, this incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in rural Kenya to safeguard lives on the road.
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Tragedy in Kirinyaga: Two Killed After Pickup Plunges Into River Nyamindi