A Form One student died while three others were injured on Tuesday, February 13, after being hit by a personal car at Igunga Girls’ High School located in Vihiga County.
Igunga Girls'High School is unique in the sense that a tarmac road cuts through the institution with classes positioned on either side. In this particular case, the four students were headed to a morning class, which required them to cross the road.
The deceased, barely a term old at the school, died on the spot, while the other three were rushed to Mbale Hospital in Vihiga. Two of them were discharged after receiving treatment while the third was admitted for further treatment, as she had sustained severe injuries.
“Out of the three students, two were stable enough to go home, while the other one will remain behind for further management of her injuries, as the way she is presenting, indicates severe damage,” Mbale Hospital Superintendent Zimbule stated.
Zimbule further revealed that the deceased's mother had been notified, and received counselling from psychologists at the hospital to help her process the bad news.
“It is sad to lose a student, especially when they are at school, and we are yet to receive more details. However, the school management and the county officials managed to reach out to the parents of the students involved,” he added.
Residents reacting to the news requested the county government to construct speed bumps on the tarmac, since it is located in the middle of a school.
Police officers from the area have launched investigations into the incident, as residents condemned drivers for overspeeding while disregarding the road's proximity to the school and students' safety.
Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that 563 people lost their lives to road accidents between January 1 and February 11, 2024.
The data also shows that out of this number; pedestrians accounted for the highest number at 216 deaths, followed by passengers with 109 deaths.
The data further highlighted that motorists recorded 140 deaths, while 35 drivers lost their lives in accidents, a slightly lower number than pillion passengers who recorded 54 deaths.
