A tragic incident unfolded at Queen of Angels Turbo School in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday morning after a pit latrine collapsed, trapping several pupils. Authorities have confirmed that four children are feared dead, while three others have been rescued and rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The incident occurred during school hours, catching both students and staff off guard. The structure reportedly gave way without warning, plunging the children into the pit. Emergency responders, including police officers and local rescuers, quickly arrived at the scene to begin a frantic effort to rescue those trapped.
Turbo Sub-County Police Commander Patrick Wekesa confirmed the ongoing rescue mission and expressed concern over the safety of more children who might still be trapped underground.
“We are at the scene digging up the area to find out if there are children underground,” Wekesa said. “So far, three pupils have been rescued and taken to the hospital. Rescue operations are ongoing, and we will issue a full statement once the situation is under control.”
The scene was marked by panic, grief, and confusion as parents rushed to the school upon receiving news of the tragedy. Emergency workers used basic tools and excavators to dig through the collapsed debris in a race against time.
Local leaders and education officials have arrived at the site to oversee rescue efforts and support affected families. The Ministry of Education has yet to release an official statement but is expected to launch an investigation into the structural integrity of school sanitation facilities in the area.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dire state of infrastructure in many Kenyan schools, especially in rural and low-income areas. Concerns have long been raised over the safety of pit latrines, which remain a common sanitation solution in many institutions across the country.
As rescue operations continue, the community remains hopeful that more pupils will be found alive. Meanwhile, families wait anxiously, praying for a miracle amidst the devastating collapse.
