Death at a Wedding: Six People Die After Septic Tank Caves in

Six individuals have lost their lives after a well collapsed in the Kihunguro area of Kiambu County. 

The tragedy occurred within a family compound and the victims were among a group of seventeen people who had stopped at a friend's residence on their way to a wedding ceremony. While singing and dancing, the structure covering the well gave way, causing those on top to fall in. 

"Concrete that covered the water well later collapsed due to the weight of the said persons, and as a result, over 17 persons drowned. Responders were mobilised and 17 retrieved including 2 children who were taken to a hospital in Ruiru for medical attention," Police Spokesperson Dr Resila Atieno said in a statement.

Unfortunately, two children who were supposed to participate in the wedding ceremony were among the fatalities. Emergency services were able to rescue some of the family members, but the collapse was too great for others to survive.  A statement from the National Police Service had earlier reported that a rescue operation was underway at Ruiru where the concrete well had collapsed. 

Those who survived were given Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by police officers and health officers from Kiambu County. The injured were then taken to a hospital in Kiambu for urgent medical attention. Dr Resila advised the public to be cautious when placing weight on concrete wells in the future to avoid potential collapses.