NTSA halts Modern Coast operations after Nithi Bridge crash

In a statement on Monday, the NTSA said the company's fleet of 31 buses had been grounded as probe into the deadly crash ensues. 

The halt of operations will affect at least seven routes that the company plies.

They include:  Nairobi - Mombasa,  Mombasa - Mtwapa - Kilifi - Malindi - Witu - Mpeketoni - Lamu,  Nairobi - Nakuru - Kisumu - Kakamega - Busia, Nairobi - Nakuru - Kisumu - Eldoret - Malaba,  Nairobi - Narok - (Kisii - Homabay - Migori - Isibania, Mombasa - Makindu - Wote - Kitui - Machakos and Nairobi - Thika - Embu - Meru - Maua. 

"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 33 on Monday morning after more passengers who had sustained injuries succumbed while undergoing treatment. 

According to reports, the bus was ferrying passengers from Maua to Mombasa before the 6:30 PM accident at the Nithi bridge. 

Several photos and videos shared online showed the mangled wreckage of the bus strewn on the hillside near the infamous Tharaka Nithi blackspot. 

Part of the wreckage could be seen in the river. 

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