Accident in Kenya

Accident in Kenya Media release

Statement of facts as we know them at present

The trip to Kenya is part of Bethlehem College’s mission partnership programme, in this case with the Ark Quest School in a small village of Mahanga. A party of 19 left on the 28th December and included 12 students and 7 adults. While coming back to the village from Kisumu the group were travelling in a minivan and a car. It was raining heavily at the time. The minivan lost control, rolled and ran into a ditch. The driver, a Kenyan associated with the Ark Quest Academy was killed in the accident . There were also fatalities from the Bethlehem College party, all adult participants. Their names are – Brian and Grace Johnston (parents of Bethlehem College community) and Caitlin Dickson, a past pupil of the College. We have visited those families this morning. They wish to grieve in private and do not want direct contact from the media. Please respect this. This tragedy will touch the lives of many in this community as these were all wonderful people who served others first as part of their expression of their Christian faith.

Other people in the van suffered various injuries but it is understood that none are of a life threatening nature. The group are all together in a private hospital in Kisumu. Parents of students have all been contacted and receiving on-going information and support.

Arrangements are being made to bring the group home when this is possible, including those who have been deceased. Caitlin, Grace and Brian had all been to this village before and were passionate about the ministry that was being offered, through building a strong caring Academy in this very needy community. Bethlehem College has been in partnership with ArK Quest School for over two years and has similar partnerships in the Solomon Islands and in Tonga.

ENDS

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