Parents and teachers gather near the scene of a stampede at the Kakamega primary school in Kakamega, Kenya [Reuters]
At least 13 students have been killed and dozens wounded in a stampede at a primary school in western Kenya, according to local media reports.
At least 39 pupils “were seriously wounded” at Kakamega Primary School on Monday, the Daily Nation newspaper reported.
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“We have lost 13 children in this stampede and we have others in hospital with injuries,” police chief David Kabena told journalists in Kakamega town.
The stampede occurred at approximately 5:00 pm (14:00 GMT) when panic broke out as the students went home for the day from Kakamega Primary school.
The reason for the panic was not immediately unclear.
“We have launched an investigation to establish what exactly happened,” Kabena said.
Kenya Red Cross said on Twitter that emergency services were responding to a “fatal stampede” at the school.
“My heartfelt condolences to parents that have lost loved ones in the unfortunate and regrettable tragedy at Kakamega Primary School. I wish a quick recovery to the injured children and pray that God grant strength to the affected families,” former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said on Twitter.
SOURCE:
News agencies
