Two killed as fierce wind storm sweeps over Kisauni

Kisauni residents near a mango tree that fell on a house in Mishomoroni, yesterday. The tree was blown off by strong winds on Saturday night. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

Two people were killed after a mango tree fell on their house in Kisauni on Saturday night. This was caused by strong winds from the Indian Ocean.

One of them, a Standard Eight pupil, died on the spot while the second victim, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy died in hospital.

Monica Juma, the mother to the 14-year-old boy, said the children were sleeping and she and other relatives were sitting outside the house when the heavy winds swept off the tree.

"At around 10pm, my son was sleeping in the bedroom when heavy winds and lightning swept off the mango tree and it fell on our house. We fled but later realised that my son was left in the house sleeping. My neighbours and I tried to rescue him but it was too late," said Ms Juma.

Mary Ajuma, the mother of the second victim said she was also sitting outside with other friends and relatives when the incident happened.

"We were just sitting outside while my child was sleeping and all of a sudden, we heard the heavy winds and then a loud bang and from that point I don't know what happened because I found myself on the sewer and part of the tree had fallen on me," said Ms Ajuma.

She was rescued by neighbour and upon inquiring about her son, she was told that he had been rushed to a nearby health centre.

"My child was already dead by the time I got there," she said.

loud bang

Eric Juma, 19, who was injured in the incident is recuperating at the Coast General Hospital.

Area Sub Chief Joseph Nthengea said at around 10pm there was lightning and a few minutes later he heard a loud bang. He was then called and told of the incident.

Mr Nthengea said trees around the area were so old and some had rotten, adding that they should be cut down to avoid a similar incident.

"We are worried that a similar incident might happen sooner or later if we don't take precautions. These mango trees are over 40 years old and they should be cut immediately," he said.

Kisauni Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Walter Abondo yesterday said: "The incident happened last night and two people died. Heavy winds and lightning struck the mango tree, which fell on the house which had six occupants who happen to be relatives."

He said police were waiting for the rubble to be cleared to establish whether more people could have been trapped inside.

"So far we have only two deaths but the police together with the locals were clearing the place and after they finished, we will be able to know if some other people are trapped inside or not," he said.

And in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, a tree fell on a vehicle that had been parked outside Hotel Bridge View and blocked the road, though no injuries were reported.

Kilifi OCPD Joshua ole Leina said: "The branches of the tree blocked the road and damaged the vehicle belonging to Somak Safari but good Samaritans helped clear the road."