Kauwi Bridge in Kitui County was the scene of a horrifying accident this afternoon after a 51-seater matatu named Le Casa De Papel, belonging to Kathi Sacco, veered off the road to avoid colliding with a lorry. The vehicle, which was en route to Kitui town, was traveling down the precarious slopes of the dilapidated bridge when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic moments as the matatu swerved violently, narrowly missing the lorry before skidding off the road. Several passengers sustained injuries, with some rushed to Kauwi Sub-County Hospital while others were referred to Kitui Referral Hospital for advanced treatment.
Police officers quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and processing evidence as investigations into the incident began. Authorities have noted the dangerous state of Kauwi Bridge, which has been a source of complaints from residents who fear it poses a significant threat to motorists.
The matatu, a familiar sight on Kitui roads, had its name ironically derived from the popular TV series Money Heist, symbolizing the passengers’ hopes for a safe journey. However, today, those hopes were shattered, leaving victims nursing injuries and loved ones in anguish.
Local leaders and residents have renewed their calls for urgent repairs to Kauwi Bridge, which they argue is an accident hotspot due to its poor condition. “This is not the first accident here,” lamented a resident. “We’ve been crying for help, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.”
As authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, the spotlight is once again on the region’s crumbling infrastructure, a ticking time bomb for road users.
