A school journey in West Pokot County turned into an emergency on Tuesday after two buses ferrying 101 pupils were involved in a road accident in Riting area, leaving 13 people injured and triggering a multi-agency rescue operation.
The Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that the injured victims, six males and seven females, were taken to Kapenguria Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
The emergency response agency said teams from West Pokot and Turkana counties moved to the scene to provide assistance, working together with county ambulance services, a Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) ambulance, the National Police Service and other responders.
“Our response teams from West Pokot and Turkana counties are on the ground, supported by county ambulances and an additional ambulance from KenGen, working alongside the National Police Service and other emergency responders,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
The organisation said its teams were leading efforts to assist those affected through evacuation of injured victims, provision of first aid and support services for pupils and school staff involved in the incident.
As rescue efforts continued, the Kenya Red Cross said teachers and pupils were being taken to a secure holding area as responders worked to manage the situation.
"Psychosocial support is being provided to those affected, while teachers and students are being moved to a safe holding area," the Kenya Red Cross said.
The agency said its personnel remained on the ground monitoring the situation and offering support to the affected learners and teachers as more details about the incident continued to emerge.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is mandated to respond to emergencies and provide humanitarian support during disasters, accidents and other crises. Its services include first aid, evacuation, ambulance assistance, search and rescue support, psychosocial care and coordination with government agencies.
The organisation said it was continuing to work with other emergency teams to ensure those affected received the necessary assistance following the accident.