NTSA halts operations of Modern Coast buses after fatal Nithi bridge crash

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)  has suspended the  operations of Modern Coast buses,  a day after an accident involving one of its buses killed 34 passengers, and injured scores at Nithi bridge, Tharaka Nithi.

In a statement on Monday, the NTSA said the company's fleet of 31 buses has been grounded as investigation into the deadly crash commence. 

"A thorough multi-agency investigation into the crash and an evaluation of the operator's safety operational standards is currently underway," the statement from NTSA reads. 

"We condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic crash and wish quick recovery to those undergoing treatment." 

Meanwhile, the death toll from the Sunday accident hit 34 on Monday morning after more passengers who had sustained injuries succumbed while undergoing treatment at various health facilities in the county. 

According to reports, the bus was ferrying passengers from Maua to Mombasa before the bus plunged into the 40 feet deep Nithi bridge at 6:30 PM.

Police officers at the accident scene said the bus likely lost brakes, hitting an oncoming vehicle before plunging 40 into the river .