Cornelius Korir, a 40-year-old representative of the Catholic Men's Association, had initially planned to travel with 16 pilgrims who perished in the accident. However, on September 30, two days before the journey, he received a call informing him that there was no space in the vehicle they had hired. As a result, Korir was asked to travel by bus, and his fare was covered by the association.
Korir's decision to travel by bus proved to be a lifesaver. On Friday night, during the journey, he remained in contact with his fellow pilgrims, hoping they would arrive safely in Subukia. Their last conversation was at around 9:00 pm. News of their deaths left him devastated, and he arrived late for the prayers in Subukia, still reeling from the shock.
According to Korir, the parish Catholic Men's Association Chairman had made the decision to change his travel plans. The chairman had informed Korir that there was no space in the vehicle, and as a result, Korir was sent the bus fare. Korir had already bought a ticket for Friday to Subukia after leaving work and heading to the bus station.
An hour after leaving Changamwe Bus Station, Korir received another call informing him that a seat had become available in the vehicle carrying the pilgrims. However, Korir had already made alternative arrangements and was traveling by bus. He says he escaped death by a whisker and is still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
Preparations are ongoing at St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church for a requiem mass expected to be conducted on Thursday. The mass will be held to honor the 17 pilgrims who lost their lives in the accident. Korir and the community are still reeling from the shock of the tragedy, and the requiem mass is expected to provide some closure.
The accident occurred in Salama, Makueni County, and has left the community in shock. The 17 pilgrims who lost their lives were traveling to Subukia for prayers. Korir's story is a testament to the power of fate and the importance of being vigilant and prepared for unexpected events.
The Catholic Men's Association has been supportive of Korir, who is still trying to process the events that unfolded. The association's decision to cover his bus fare ultimately saved his life, and he is grateful for their intervention. The community is coming together to support Korir and the families of the victims during this difficult time.
Key points
- A last-minute change of travel plans saved a man's life in a road accident that claimed 17 lives in Salama, Makueni County.
- The man, Cornelius Korir, was initially supposed to travel with the victims but was told there was no space in the vehicle.
- A requiem mass is expected to be conducted on Thursday to honor the victims of the accident.
