Several students were injured in a stampede at the University of Kabianga after part of a lecture hall structure gave way, sparking panic among those present.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, Vice Chancellor Eric Koech said the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. during an ongoing lecture in Lecture Theatre Block Four.
A piece of mortar reportedly detached from the slab and fell onto a ramp, causing alarm among students.
Safety Concerns Rise After Kabianga Lecture Hall Incident Sparks Stampede. Photo: Courtesy.
The unexpected incident triggered fear, prompting a rush to exit the building. In the chaos, some students jumped from the upper floor in an attempt to escape what they believed to be a potentially collapsing structure.
University officials confirmed that several students sustained injuries during the stampede.
The affected students were promptly taken to hospital, where they received medical attention.
Emergency responders and local authorities acted promptly to contain the situation and assist those affected.
Appreciation was expressed for the swift response from Kericho County authorities and other stakeholders during the incident.
Following the incident, engineers from the State Department for Public Works were deployed to assess the structural integrity of the affected building.
