Bus overturns at Likoni Ferry ramp causing major disruption at crossing channel

A bus accident at the Likoni Ferry crossing on Sunday morning has caused major disruption at the busy channel, raising safety concerns for ferry operations.

The incident occurred at around 8.35 am when a Chania Executive minibus, registration number KCF 236V, lost control and overturned at the mainland ramp of the Likoni crossing, temporarily blocking part of the ramp used by landing ferries.

According to a statement from the Kenya Red Cross, nine people were injured in the incident.

"Nine people were injured: seven were treated at the scene, while two were taken to the hospital. The Kenya Red Cross also provided psychosocial support services," Kenya Red Cross said.

“Emergency services and recovery teams are currently on site to remove the vehicle from the operational area and restore normalcy on the ramp. However, the bus has partially blocked the ramp posing challenges for the landing of two ferries currently," the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) said in a statement.

Customers are urged to remain patient as efforts to clear the ramp are underway,” KFS stated.

KFS urged commuters to remain patient while efforts to remove the overturned bus and clear the ramp continued.

Past incidents

The accident brought back memories of past incidents at the Likoni channel, which has a long history of accidents and tragedies, sparking renewed debate about safety at the crossing.

In a similar incident in 2021, a Pollmans Tours and Safaris bus slid off the ramp while attempting to board MV Jambo due to heavy rains in the area.

The Chania Executive minibus that lost control and overturned at the mainland ramp of the Likoni crossing. (Photo: Handout)

Fortunately, the driver and his assistant were rescued, and the bus was salvaged. The incident raised questions about the condition of the ramps and the safety measures in place during adverse weather conditions.

Sunday’s accident also reminded residents of the tragic death of Mariam Kigenda, 36, and her four-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu. On September 29, 2019, the two lost their lives when their car slid off MV Harambee midstream, sinking into the ocean.

It took 13 days to recover their vehicle and bodies, highlighting the operational challenges faced by rescue teams, including conflicts between Kenya Navy and private divers, which hindered the recovery process.

In addition to accidents, the Likoni crossing has faced other challenges, including congestion.

Bus overturns at Likoni ramp. No casualties reported. Emergency services are actively working to clear the scene and restore normal operations, while ferry passengers are advised to remain patient during this disruption. pic.twitter.com/wvRO4wIPQ3

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 6, 2024

In August this year, four people, including a 17-year-old boy, were injured during a stampede at the crossing. The stampede occurred when hundreds of passengers attempted to board the ferry simultaneously, leading to chaos.

With around 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles using the ferry daily, congestion remains a significant problem, worsened by the recent closure of the Liwatoni Floating Bridge, which had provided an alternative to the ferry service.

The bridge's shutdown has left many residents dependent on the already congested Likoni Ferry crossing channel.

To resolve these issues, President William Ruto directed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to find a solution.

During a town hall meeting in July while in Mombasa, he revealed plans discussed with the Japanese Prime Minister during his visit to Japan earlier this year, focusing on the Mombasa Gateway Bridge. This new infrastructure project aims to alleviate the ferry issues at Likoni.

"The Mombasa Gateway Bridge will be similar to the one in Nyali but designed to allow ships to pass. It will be the biggest piece of infrastructure in East Africa, costing Sh100 billion," he stated.

Meanwhile, approximately 300,000 people who rely on the Likoni crossing channel daily face significant challenges due to the congestion.

The delays have forced thousands of ferry users to adjust their schedules, impacting their daily lives and livelihoods.