ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS

ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS

By: Timothy Makokha and Mishi Ziro

17 pupils are undergoing treatment at the Elgon view hospital in Bungoma town following the accident that occurred yesterday evening along the chwele-Bungoma road. Due to a shortage of medical facilities some 9 victims were taken to saint Mary’s hospital Mumias and 4 were taken to Lugulu mission hospital. 

2 of the accident victims who were badly injured were rushed to Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu for special attention.

Some of the victims at the Elgon view hospital were diagnosed with serious injuries where e a boy pelvic injuries and unable to pass urine who was being assisted mechanically with tubes to urinate. Others suffered head injuries.

Rita Mukhongo, a hospital attendant at Elgon view said that only 2 pupils died on sport on reaching the hospital while one died on their way to Bungoma district hospital. 

Christine kundu, a class six pupil at Mungeti primary is one of the victims at the Elgon view hospital whose right leg was cut off because it was badly injured.

It was learned later that the accident was caused by a lorry driver who was overspeeding, escaping danger after causing around chwele and was escaping towards Bungoma town when he ran into a group of pupils who were celebrating their victory after emerging winners during ball games that were held yesterday at kimukungi primary.

According to the games teacher of Mungeti primary, Mr. Nicholas Simiyu wekesa, pupils were celebrating on their way home in the evening after winning the game when they were ran over by the canter from behind. Six pupils died on spot.

Daniel Wangila is a life member of Red Cross Bungoma branch, who participated actively in assisting the accident victims. ‘I didn’t sleep the whole night as I was doing my best in rescuing the injured’ said Wangila.

Dr. Amin, the Elgon view hospital director called upon the affected parents, teachers, and the community at large to calm down and accept the tragedy. ‘Pupils in the affected schools, teachers, parents and the whole community need to be counseled for them to calm down and accept this bitter tragedy’, said Dr. Amin.

Red Cross coordinator Bungoma branch Ms. Valentine Mutaki, said that there is no need for panic as arrangements are being made by Red Cross in liaison with AMREF pay hospital bills for the accident victims.

DEO Bungoma south, Mr. Japheth shitubi called for an emergency meeting with Red Cross officials, head teachers for mungeti , marakaru ACK, and kakichuma primary schools in his office in Bungoma town.  In the meeting there were councilor Majimbo, Nalianya Francis the divisional education officer and Dr. Wekesa. They deliberated on the matter concerning the accident and advised the head teachers to hold parents meetings in their schools today at 2pm.

The meetings were meant to console the parents and counsel affected pupils who lost their dear friends. They were to use the meeting for counting pupils to tell how many are missing and request parents to assist in identifying bodies of victims who were destroyed beyond recognition.  A team of psychologists from Red Cross Eldoret branch will also address the meeting.

Area mp for Sirisia constituency, hon. Wetangula is to visit the scene of accident and proceed to address meetings in the affected schools today in the afternoon.

A total of 35 pupils were injured with four that were badly injured being taken to Nairobi hospital for special spinal code treatment. Dorcas nalianya and Maxwell waswa were to be transferred from elgon view  while Elizabeth kunania and purity makokha are to be moved from st mary’s mumias hospital all of them to Nairobi hospital.

Only one pupil from kakichuma primary was injured in the accident. Pupils who perished from mungeti primary were 9 including the following; Tyson Wanjala std 8,Michael Simiyu std 8,Sharon Wamalwa std 5, Brian Wamalwa std 6, Cidy Mukasiali std 6, Patrick Wafula, Centrine Nalianya, and Anne wekesa.