Residents attempt to rescue people trapped inside a septic tank in Mishomoroni area, Mombasa. The victims were attending a wedding ceremony at the time of the tragedy, March 10, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL
Three people died on Saturday night after a septic tanked caved in at a wedding ceremony in Mishomoroni, Mombasa.
The victims who all died while receiving treatment in hospital included three minors aged between 14 and 16 and one adult.
Four other people are still receiving treatment at the Coast General hospital, Jocham hospital and Said Fathma hospital.
According to area residents, the tragedy struck at around 6:30 pm.
"Over 10 people were sitting at the septic tank taking selfies when it collapsed," Hillary Rizi said.
Witnesses who were at the wedding said about eight people managed to escape on time before the floor covering the septic tank completely caved in.
Seven people, however, could not manage to react on time and sunk into the pit when the concrete slab that cover the septic tank seemingly couldn't bear their weight.
Fire fighters who took more than four hours to conduct the rescue operation confirmed that no one was still trapped by the end of the operation at around 10 pm.
