In a shocking mishap, a teacher invigilating the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in Masalani, Ijara, Garissa County lost his life in a tragic incident involving a helicopter. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, and adds to a series of recent helicopter accidents in the region.
The teacher, identified as the 35-year-old Deputy Head teacher of Masalani Primary school, had just picked up exam papers from the deputy county commissioner’s office. Witnesses reported that he was in haste, attempting to board the helicopter when he tragically collided with the tail rotor, resulting in fatal injuries.
Garissa County Commissioner Solomon Chesuti confirmed the incident, expressing deep regret, especially considering it happened during a time when students were eagerly anticipating their exam papers.
“There was an incident where a teacher died on the spot after being hit by the propellers of a helicopter. We have started investigations to know what he was doing close to a helicopter that was taking off,” Chesuti stated.
The tragic event unfolded amidst a backdrop of recent helicopter accidents in the region. Just a day prior, two separate incidents occurred in Wajir County, further raising concerns about aviation safety. One incident involved a helicopter carrying Arabajahan MCA Abey Jimaale that crashed at the Wajir Airport runway during take-off. The MCA and two pilots were rushed to Wajir County Referral Hospital with injuries, while the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
In another incident, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed during take-off in Buna, Wajir North, while supplying food items to flood-affected families. Several people, including pilots and teachers, sustained injuries and were taken to the Buna Sub-county Hospital.
The helicopter-related tragedies have prompted authorities to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The incidents have raised questions about helicopter safety, particularly during critical operations like the transportation of examination materials and humanitarian aid.
The deployment of helicopters for the distribution of examination materials has become a necessity in many parts of Garissa due to ongoing road blockades, rendering the roads impassable. However, the recent string of accidents underscores the need for a thorough safety review in such operations.
Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the Masalani incident, describing it as unfortunate. The police report indicated that the victim, while holding a phone, was hit by the tail rotor on the head and his right hand. The 35-year-old teacher fell on the ground and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Items recovered at the scene included the key to the Kenya National Examination Council’s (KNEC) container, KNEC documents, personal belongings of the deceased, and a laptop.
As investigations unfold, the education community mourns the loss of a dedicated teacher, and authorities are pressed to ensure the safety of helicopter operations, especially during critical missions like the transportation of examination materials. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation, particularly when the lives of educators, students, and community members are at stake.