An unknown number of students were injured on Monday afternoon following a frightening incident at the University of Kabianga in Kericho County, after part of the finishing on an upper-floor slab came off inside a lecture theatre, causing panic among learners.
According to a statement issued by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Koech, the incident occurred while students were attending lectures on the third floor of the four-storey building.
Debris from the upper-floor slab reportedly fell onto the floor below, prompting fears that the structure was collapsing.The sudden scare triggered panic among students, who rushed towards exits in an attempt to escape.
In the chaos that followed, a stampede broke out, leaving several students injured. Reports indicate that some learners may have jumped from upper floors during the commotion, sustaining fractures and other injuries.
The injured students were rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment. However, the university administration has not disclosed the exact number of those injured.Professor Koech has assured the public that the affected students are receiving medical attention, as the institution moves to assess the extent of the damage and establish the cause of the incident.
The incident has sparked concern among students and parents over the safety of infrastructure within the institution, with calls expected for a thorough inspection of university buildings.
