Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) officer in Garissa County died after being struck by a helicopter’s blades while collecting examination papers in Masalani, Ijara area.
According to reports from the scene, the teacher had just collected the Tuesday, November 21 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination papers when the incident occurred.
Garissa County Commissioner Solomon Chesuti who confirmed the incident said it was unclear what the teacher was doing around the chopper while it was taking off.
“There was an incident where a teacher died on the spot after being hit by the propellers of a helicopter. We have started investigations to know what he was doing near a helicopter that was taking off,” Chesuti told Nation.
KCSE Exams Supply by Choppers
Likewise, the County Commissioner noted that the deceased was part of the team collecting examination papers before the unfortunate incident occurred.
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“The deceased opened the examination office at the District County Commissioners office,” Chesut added.
Worth noting is that the Government has been using helicopters to supply examination papers in regions affected by the ongoing heavy rains.
Wajir and Garissa are some of the counties where choppers have been used to deliver examination papers due to the heavy rains that have made roads impassable.
Meanwhile the Tuesday Helicopter incident in Garissa comes after two recent chopper crashes in the region on Monday 20th November 2023.
Wajir Helicopter Crash
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) logistics helicopter crashed in Buna, Wajir North, on Monday 20th November where it flew to deliver relief supplies to residents affected by floods.
As per a video that surfaced online, the chopper crashed moments after taking off. However, details of the number of officers on board have not yet been confirmed.
On the other hand, a chopper ferrying Arabajahan Member of County Assembly Abey Jimaale crashed as it took off from Wajir Airport runway on Monday 20th November.
According to police reports, Captain James Ndirangu piloted the Prime Aviation helicopter registration 5Y-SDL.
The captain sustained shoulder and right-hand injuries while the MP had injuries on his head.
Also Read: KCSE Candidates Caught Smoking Bhang Allowed to Finish Exams
Safety Measures When Alighting a Chopper.
Following the recent helicopter crashes, it is crucial to learn about helicopter safety. Some of the key factors to consider for safety are listed below.
- Stay away from the landing area during approach and departure to avoid being hit by a helicopter blade.
- Always approach or depart a helicopter from the front or side in a crouching position.
- Avoid running.
- Likewise, to avoid being hit by the blades stay in the pilot’s view.
- Avoid reaching up, lifting your arms, or chasing loose objects.
- Keep off the helicopter’s tail.
