Eleven people have died and several others injured in a grisly road accident that occurred in Kamugu Village, Embu County.

The Tuesday morning incident involved a Siakago-bound mini-bus belonging to KETNNO Sacco.

Most victims of the accident were elderly citizens who were going to Siakago in Mbeere Sub-County to register for the Inua Jamii Cash Program.

The cash transfer program is a government initiative intended to uplift the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens of Kenya through regular and reliable bi-monthly cash transfers.

Area police boss Kivinda Kilonzo who confirmed the incident said the accident occurred after the vehicle ran out of fuel while climbing a steep bridge.

“The driver sent the conductor to buy fuel from a nearby filling station. Upon returning with the fuel and igniting the engine, the vehicle rolled back and plunged into the river,” said Kilonzo.

The survivors were taken to Siakago Level 4 Hospital. Nine people were under very critical condition while forty others sustained minor injuries.