11 People Dead While Heading to a Wedding

At least six people have died after a domestic well within a family compound caved in Kihunguro area, Kiambu County. 

The six were among seventeen people who drowned, prompting the wedding ceremony to be postponed. 

Speaking to a local media house Police Spokesperson Dr Resila Atieno on August 19, confirmed that a total seventeen people were recorded as victims, including a number of children.

In a swift and coordinated effort, first responders from Kiambu County, in collaboration with the local police, successfully delivered essential emergency services and rescued some family members.

“Members of the public who were heading for wedding ceremony within Kihunguro area made a stop over at a friend’s residential plot, about 50 metres west of  Kihunguro police post, started singing and dancing.

“Concrete that covered the water well later collapsed due to the weight of the said persons, and as a result, over 11 person drowned,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The police stated that among those who died in the accident included two children who were going to take part in the wedding as flower girls and page boys.

“Responders were mobilised and 11 retrieved including 2 children who were taken to a hospital in Ruiru for medical attention. 

“Fire brigade from Ruiru and police at the site rescue in progress,” a statement by the National Police Service read in parts.

At the location, police officers and health officers from Kiambu County administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to rescue those who were still alive. 

Dr Resila revealed that police officers assisted the injured and transported them to a hospital in Kiambu where they were admitted for emergency medication.

The police also warned members of the public against placing too much weight on concrete wells in the future as that may cause the structure to collapse.