A joyful school trip turned tragic in Kiambu after a Grade 9 boy died when he leaned out of a moving school bus and was struck near the school gate.
A cloud of grief has engulfed ACK St. Paul Academy in Kereita, Kimende, Kiambu County, following a heartbreaking accident that claimed the life of a 14-year-old student.
The Grade 9 pupil had been returning to school with classmates after taking part in a soccer competition at Gituamba Primary School. According to witnesses, the mood inside the bus was lively, with students celebrating and talking about the day’s matches during the short ride back.
Tragedy struck just as the bus approached the school gate.
Reports indicate the boy, who was seated at the back, leaned his head outside the window moments before arrival. In a split second, he was crushed against a concrete pillar near the entrance.
Fellow students and staff rushed to help as he was taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors sadly pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police have confirmed the incident and moved the body to a local mortuary as investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
The sudden loss has deeply shaken the school community. Parents, teachers, and students gathered in mourning, struggling to come to terms with how a day filled with sports and excitement ended in tragedy. School officials described the boy as energetic, friendly, and passionate about sports.
Safety experts say the incident is a painful reminder of the dangers of leaning out of moving vehicles, especially school buses. They are urging schools, drivers, and parents to reinforce strict transport safety rules to prevent similar accidents.
As investigations continue, the community is left grieving a young life lost too soon, while calls grow louder for stronger safety awareness during student travel.