A collapsed classroom at a school in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi has killed seven children and injured a further 57.
The disaster occurred early on Monday morning at a school called Precious Talent school, according to government officials.
Kenya’s government spokesman, Cyrus Oguna said “There have been 57 students that have been taken to hospital for treatment, and we can also confirm that there have been seven fatalities.”
Most of the victims were aged between eight and 15 years and were undertaking morning preps.
According to local media reporting, the two-storey building in Ng’ando area caved in a few minutes to 7am local time.
Most of those killed and injured were in Standard Six, Seven and Eight on the ground floor of the building.
Some were trapped in the rubble requiring rescue efforts to save them.
TV footage showed rescue teams from Kenya Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance, school workers, residents and other Good Samaritans combing through the debris to save the trapped children.
Last body removed. Basically the residents rescued themselves. Disaster response pathetic.
Govt officials came only to address the media. Area MP consoled the residents of Ng’ando where the tragedy occurred. pic.twitter.com/YxiS3V6bbd
— Robert Alai (@RobertAlai) September 23, 2019
There are reports of some parents those living around the school raising concerns over the safety and stability of the building.
The floors of the classrooms were reportedly made of wood. Residents say the structure was a product of poor engineering and workmanship.
Source: Africafeeds.com
