A photo illustration of the vehicle involved in the accident at Eshilakwe Primary School on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. PHOTO FILE.
In Summary:
- Lurambi authorities investigate a car accident at Eshilakwe Primary School, injuring seven pupils.
- The injured students, including those from nursery and grade four, received medical treatment at Kakamega Referral Hospital.
Officials in Lurambi are looking into a concerning incident at Eshilakwe Primary School in Kakamega County, where seven students sustained injuries in a car accident on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
The incident unfolded when a vehicle lost control due to brake failure, crashing into the school’s playground while children were engaged in activities. Among the injured were six nursery school pupils and one grade four student, who were swiftly transported to Kakamega Referral Hospital for specialized care.
The school’s headteacher confirmed that while the accident caused distress among parents, there were no reported fatalities. Worried parents rushed to the school to check on their children’s well-being upon hearing the news.
“I was at home when I received a call informing me that my child had been in an accident and was taken to the hospital,” shared one parent.
“I was shocked to hear that the vehicle had crashed through the school fence and hit the children while they were playing,” she continued
Describing the incident, the headteacher mentioned, “It was around 9:30 am and the pupils were playing outside, during the short break, when we realized the students running towards the road.”
This unfortunate event is reminiscent of a similar tragedy on February 13, where one student lost their life and three others were injured after being struck by a car outside Igunga Girls’ High School in Vihiga County. The students, on their way to morning class, were crossing a tarmac road dividing the school when the accident occurred.
Local law enforcement initiated investigations into the incident, while residents voiced their frustration at drivers’ reckless speeding despite the road’s proximity to the school.
Mbale Hospital Superintendent Zimbule provided updates on the injured students’ conditions, indicating that two were stable enough for discharge, while one remained hospitalized for further treatment due to severe injuries.