Several pupils from Kapkatet Morning Star Academy narrowly escaped death on Monday morning after their school van was involved in an accident at Kamachumo area in Kapkatet Ward, Kericho County.
According to witnesses, the van, which was ferrying learners to school, veered off the road and landed in a ditch after the driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp corner.
The incident happened at around 7:30 a.m., causing panic among parents and residents rushing to the scene.
Quick responders, including boda boda riders and members of the public, helped evacuate children from the vehicle and rushed them to Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Medical sources at the Kapkatet Sub-County Referral Hospital confirmed that all the pupils sustained minor injuries and were out of danger.
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“Most of them had soft tissue injuries, and a few complained of headaches and bruises. They are still receiving treatment and we are observing them though they are all in stable condition,” said a nurse at the facility who spoke on condition of anonymity as she is not authorized to address the media.
Parents and school officials arrived at the hospital shortly after the incident to check on the condition of the children.
The distressed parents, who also visited the scene and hospital, thanked residents for their swift response and confirmed that no fatalities had been recorded.
“We are grateful to God that all our pupils are safe. The incident was unfortunate, but our quick response and support from locals helped prevent a tragedy,” said one of the parents.
Police officers from Kapkatet Police Station have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that slippery road conditions due to morning drizzle might have contributed to the mishap.
The van has since been towed to Kapkatet Police Station for inspection.
By Philip Koech
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