Tragedy struck a primary school in Nakuru county after a whirlwind blew off its roof last Friday, killing one child and injuring 14 others.
The incident occurred at St Pascal Academy in Mzee Wa Nyama Estate, Nakuru East Sub-County, affecting four classrooms.
Three-year-old Brianna Maggy, who had joined the playgroup two weeks ago, lost her life in the incident.
“We received distressing news from a teacher that Brianna had been injured when a roof was blown off by a whirlwind. When we got to the hospital, we found she had died from her injuries,” said Brianna’s aunt and guardian Shyler Namenya.
Her father Philiph Kitatu said Brianna had just joined the playgroup and was settling in with other learners when disaster struck.
“It is very hard to comprehend — one minute she was fine, the next we found her lifeless,” he said.
Mary Waithera, a PP1 and playgroup teacher at the school said pupils were preparing to take a nap after lunch while waiting for their parents to pick them up at 4pm.
"Suddenly, strong winds swept through the area. The first wave passed, but a second, stronger whirlwind struck as the children took cover under chairs and tables,” Ms Waithera said.
“The second wave blew off the roof. Children screamed as debris struck some of them. We rushed the injured children to hospital, but Brianna died while receiving treatment,” she added.
Medical Superintendent at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital Dr James Waweru confirmed that 14 pupils were received with varying injuries.
“One child succumbed to her injuries, while two are still undergoing treatment,” Dr Waweru said.
Some of the children sustained soft tissue injuries were treated and discharged, while two remain admitted — one in the ICU and another in the orthopedic ward, both in stable condition.
Parents and residents are now demanding investigation into the construction standards of the classrooms and urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies.
