A 17-year old girl succumbed to injuries after a branch from a tree fell on her while attending a funeral in Marigat, Baringo South Sub-county on Monday.

According to sources, the deceased girl Sharon Lekideny ,sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and was expected to join form one this year.

“She died on the way while being rushed in an ambulance to Baringo Referral Hospital- Kabarnet” Marigat Senior Chief Zephaniah Lekachuma said.

The incident occurred on December 31st while the residents were preparing to crossover to welcome the New Year.

Lekachuma said another middle aged woman Alice Letakaan is currently recuperating at Kabarnet hospital.

He said he had joined hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral of a youthful Kemboi, the son of teacher Wilson Barsire at Rabai village near Marigat town.

“The unfortunate incident occurred around 4:30 pm when a heavy dry tree branch fell down hitting the two who were standing beside to witness the ceremony” Lekachuma said.

He said both were rushed to the nearby Marigat Sub-County Hospital for first aid and later referred to Kabarnet hospital but unfortunately the girl died on the way.

The administrator further said besides assisting the victims to the hospital, the funeral was later concluded well.

However, doctors in Kabarnet hospital said Lekataan who was hit on the head and shoulders has regained her consciousness and she is responding well to medication,

“I also attended the funeral, I escaped death narrowly as I was standing near one of the victims before suddenly a tree fell down hitting them” a mourner Camila Sergon said.

Sergon said she last heard a loud bang then she ran away and disappeared from the funeral.

“I did not wait to witness what transpired but I later heard some casualties were rushed to the hospital” she said.

JOSEPH KANGOGO/The Star