Summary
- One learner has died and ten others were injured after falling into a septic tank at Kapsabet School for the Deaf.
- The students were reportedly watching the motorcade of William Ruto when the structure collapsed.
- The injured learners were rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for treatment.
NAIROBI, Kenya- One learner has been confirmed dead while ten others were injured after falling into a septic tank at Kapsabet School for the Deaf in a tragic incident that has sparked concern over school infrastructure safety.
The incident occurred as a group of students gathered near the roadside to watch the motorcade of William Ruto pass through the area on his way to an official function nearby.
Witnesses said several learners unknowingly stepped onto a septic tank structure within the school compound, which collapsed beneath their weight.
The school is located near Kapsabet Girls High School, where the President had been scheduled to attend an event.
Rescue Efforts and Hospitalisation
Residents from the surrounding community rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before police officers and emergency response teams arrived.
The injured learners were pulled out of the pit and rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for urgent treatment.
Hospital authorities later confirmed that one of the learners succumbed to injuries on arrival, while the others were admitted for treatment.
Authorities say emergency teams remained at the scene for several hours to ensure that all affected learners were accounted for and to assess the full extent of the incident.
President Ruto Visits School
Following reports of the tragedy, President William Ruto visited the school to offer his sympathies to the institution and the affected families.
During the visit, the Head of State announced a donation of Sh5 million to support reconstruction and infrastructure improvements at the school.
He also expressed concern over the incident and assured the school community that support would be provided to the injured students.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has triggered concern among residents and education stakeholders regarding infrastructure safety in schools, particularly the need to secure hazardous areas such as septic tanks and sewage pits.
Observers say the tragedy highlights the importance of proper fencing, structural reinforcement and safety checks within school compounds to prevent similar accidents.
Authorities are expected to release further updates once investigations are completed and the condition of the injured learners is fully assessed.
