A tragic incident has left one student dead and ten others injured after a septic tank collapsed at Kapsabet School for the Deaf as learners gathered to watch the motorcade of William Ruto pass nearby.
According to preliminary reports, the students had rushed to the edge of the school compound in excitement to catch a glimpse of the President, whose motorcade was passing close to the institution in Nandi County.
Witnesses said several students climbed onto an old septic tank within the compound, estimated to be about 20 feet long. The structure, believed to have been weakened over time, could not withstand the weight of the curious students and suddenly collapsed, sending 11 of them plunging inside.
The shocking incident triggered panic among fellow students and teachers as rescue efforts were immediately launched. Emergency responders and school staff managed to retrieve the victims before rushing them to nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention.
Authorities later confirmed that one of the students succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident, while the other ten were admitted to hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The tragedy occurred during President Ruto’s visit to the region. Following the incident, the Head of State visited the school to assess the situation and console the affected students and staff.
During the visit, President Ruto donated KSh 5 million to support the school and assist in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards in schools, particularly the condition of aging infrastructure such as septic tanks that may pose hidden dangers to students.
Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse as the school community mourns the loss of the student.
