University of Nairobi students were terrified Sunday morning when they heard explosions — caused by a faulty electrical cable — and believed it was a terror attack, the school said.
Students on the Kikuyu campus stampeded down the halls of the Kimberly dormitory, and some jumped from its fifth floor, the university said. Hundreds were injured and were taken to hospitals. One person died, according to the school.
The confusion and panic came less than two weeks after Al-Shabaab slaughtered 147 people at a college in Garissa, Kenya. Kenyan teachers and students have said they fear being targeted by the Somalia-based terrorists.
On Sunday, as many as 108 students from the University of Nairobi were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital. Among them, at least 63 students have been discharged, and at least four are slated for surgery, the school said.
Almost all of the 54 students being treated at PCEA Kikuyu Hospital have been released, the university said.
Kenya Power authorities and its CEO are at the school and looking into the electrical issue. Normal power supply will resume after repairs, the university said.
“As we mourn the unfortunate loss of the departed student, we are also praying for the quick recovery of those who were injured,” said Vice Chancellor Peter M.F. Mbithi in a statement.
He called on the students, staff and public to remain calm.