Girl, 17 dies after a tree fell on her during a funeral

buria4
buria4
BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

A 17-year old girl was killed when a tree fell ontop of her as she was attending a funeral in Kabarnet.

She succumbed to injuries on Monday after a tree branch fell on her while attending a funeral in Marigat, Baringo South Sub-county on Monday.

According to sources, the deceased girl Sharon Lekideny sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2018 and was expected to join form one this year.

“She died on the way while being rushed in an ambulance to Baringo Referral Hospital- Kabarnet” Marigat Senior Chief Zephaniah Lekachuma said.

The incident occurred on December 31st during the eve of festivity day while the residents were preparing to crossover to celebrate the New Year 2019.

Lekachuma said another middle aged woman Alice Letakaan is currently recuperating in Kabarnet hospital.

He said he had joined hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral of a youthful Kemboi, the son of teacher Wilson Barsire at Rabai village near Marigat town.

“The unfortunate incident occurred around 4:30 pm when a heavy dry tree branch fell down hitting the two who were standing  beside to witness the ceremony” Lekachuma said.

He said both were rushed to the nearby Marigat Sub-County Hospital for first aid and later referred to Kabarnet hospital but unfortunately the girl died on the way.

The administrator further said besides assisting the victims to the hospital, the funeral was later concluded well.

However, doctors in Kabarnet hospital said Lekataan who was hit on the head and shoulders has regained her consciousness and she is responding well to medication,

“I also attended the funeral, I escaped death narrowly as I was standing near one of the victims before suddenly a tree fell down hitting them” a mourner Camila Sergon said.

Sergon said she last heard a loud bang then she ran away and disappeared from the funeral.

“I did not wait to witness what transpired but I later heard some casualties were rushed to the hospital” she said.