Red Cross mourns rescuer electrocuted while searching for missing child

In a statement, the organisation said Wangila was part of a team searching for a missing child who was reportedly washed away by flash floods when he was electrocuted while still undertaking the operation.

The Red Cross said the incident occurred as the team searched for the child’s body.

The organisation blamed the tragedy on what it described as illegal electricity connections, warning that unsafe wiring continues to pose a deadly risk to both residents and emergency responders.

“The eyes are shedding tears. The heart is heavy with grief. Our colleague Samuel Wangila… has made the ultimate sacrifice,” the Red Cross said, paying tribute to his service.

Wangila was described as an experienced and dependable volunteer who had served for more than 15 years and had trained and mentored fellow rescuers in aqua operations.

The Red Cross conveyed condolences to Wangila’s family, friends and fellow volunteers, saying it remains grateful for the sacrifice he made in service to the community.