Saturday, August 19, 2023 –Six out of seventeen persons who drowned in well have been confirmed dead in an incident that took place in Kihungaro area, Kiambu County.
A local news channel reported the incident that saw a home-well situated in a family compound cave in as the family was on its way to attend a wedding ceremony.
Police Spokesperson Dr Resila Atieno made an official confirmation that a total seventeen people; among them children fell victim in the deadly morning incident.
“Members of the public who were heading for a wedding ceremony within Kihunguro area made a stopover at a friend’s residential plot, about 50 metres West of Kihunguro police post, started singing and dancing.
“A concrete that covered the water well later collapsed in due to the weight of the said persons, and as a result, over 11 persons drowned,” the spokesperson said in a statement that reached Homenews.co.ke.
This saw neighbours and other rescuers coordinate to save lives in what was described as a ‘swift and well-coordinated’ exercise.
Eventually, the local police who got this information ran to the scene to also join the rescue mission as well as deliver essential medical support.
Those who died included children who were headed to a wedding function. This is according to an official report from the police.
“Rescue operation were mobilised and 11 retrieved including 2 children who were taken to Ruiru hospital for medical attention, also one baby girl amongst retrieved was confirmed dead,” the police stated further.
An eye witness who talked to this writer reported that local leaders also arrived at the scene to help with technical support where necessary.