Bus full of students and Teachers involved in accident

Fear gripped students, teachers, and parents on Friday evening after a school bus belonging to AIC Lomut Secondary School in West Pokot was involved in a frightening road accident along the Kabarnet-Marigat Road in Baringo County.

The bus, which was carrying 56 students and four teachers on a journey to Eldoret, reportedly lost control at the notorious SS Corner in Kabarnet before veering off the road and rolling onto its side. The terrifying incident left dozens injured and sparked an immediate emergency response.

For several anxious moments, uncertainty surrounded the fate of those on board. However, relief soon followed as rescue teams confirmed that there were no fatalities despite the dramatic crash.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes, working alongside local residents and other good Samaritans to safely evacuate the injured students and teachers. The victims were taken to Baringo County Referral Hospital, where medical teams attended to them.

Besides receiving treatment for their injuries, several of the learners were also offered psychosocial first aid to help them cope with the trauma of the frightening experience.

Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie later reassured the public that the situation was under control. In a statement issued late Friday night, he said he had been informed that none of the victims had sustained life-threatening injuries and that those admitted to hospital were in stable condition.

“I am grateful that no serious casualties have been reported. I sincerely thank the emergency responders, healthcare workers at Baringo County Referral Hospital, and the good Samaritans who responded promptly to assist the injured,” Kandie said.

The accident occurred at a sharp bend along the Kabarnet-Marigat Road, a section that has long been regarded by motorists as one that demands extra caution because of its winding corners.

The incident comes barely 24 hours after another tragic road accident involving students shocked the nation. On Nairobi’s Southern Bypass, a speeding lorry reportedly rammed into the compound of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, killing a Form Four student and leaving the school community in mourning.

Although the AIC Lomut Secondary School crash ended without loss of life, it has once again highlighted the risks faced by students travelling on Kenyan roads. The back-to-back incidents have renewed calls for greater vigilance by drivers, regular inspection of school buses, and enhanced road safety measures to protect learners during school trips.

As investigations into the Baringo accident continue, families are counting their blessings after what could have been a far more devastating tragedy. Many have expressed gratitude to the emergency responders, healthcare workers, and members of the public whose swift action ensured that the injured received lifesaving assistance without delay.