Church collapses injuring 10 in Likuyani
At least ten Christian faithful belonging to Imani Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) at Matunda in Likuyani Sub County are nursing serious injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and Kitale Hospital after a church building collapsed on them on Sunday evening following heavy rainfalls that lasted for five hours.
According to members of the church who spoke to the press, the injured had remained behind in a meeting after normal Sunday services when the tragedy struck.
“The heavy rains that pounded this area between 2pm and 7pm forced the brick walled building to curve in at about 4.30pm, collapsing on the victims who were holding briefs with our pastor at the time,” explained one of the sources, adding that the building was still under construction.
The Church’s Pastor Prince Ganira, who escaped unhurt, told www.westfm.co.ke that most of the injured were leaders of different ranks in the church, adding, “the situation could have been worse had the tragedy occurred during daytime when the house is usually full.”
The incident was confirmed by Likuyani OCPD, Mr. Meshack Kiptum who said police officers and other rescue teams rushed to the scene where, with support from locals, they managed to rescue all people who were trapped inside the building.
“Ten of them sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Eldoret’s Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kitale County Hospital,” said Kiptum.
Those who survived with minor injuries were taken to Matunda Sub County Hospital where, by the time of going to the press, they had been discharged after responding well to treatment.
Following the incident, Kiptum has urged area residents to take safety precautions by vacating and avoiding all buildings that have pronounced cracks during this season of heavy rains in order to evade tragedies of similar nature.
Speaking after visiting the injured at Kitale hospital, Mabusi district PAG oversee Joshua Ombeva regretted the occurrence terming it unfortunate.
He however confirmed none those admitted in hospital was in danger saying they were all responding well to treatment.
