A schoolgirl in Zimbabwe died within 30 minutes of a black mamba biting her during lessons.
Melody Chiputura, 17, was in a classroom at Rushinga High School in Mashonaland Central when the extremely venomous snake lunged and bit her on her thigh, The Herald-Zimbabwe reported.
Chiputura screamed out for help.
Headteacher Christopher Murenga told the news outlet: “The learners discovered the snake and everyone panicked, with some jumping out through windows.”
The girl was rushed to hospital but died before a doctor could see her. Her death occurred within half an hour of being bitten.
Black mambas are one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. They possess a potent venom that can kill a person in just 30 minutes. The species is also one of the fastest snakes in the world, and can slither up to 12.5 miles per hour.
The species is usually shy and reclusive and prefers to flee from humans rather than attack. However, it will attack if it feels provoked or threatened. Black mambas can also be defensive if they are hurt or vulnerable.
School staff were confused as to how the snake got into the classroom, as the building is far away from the long grasses that make the snake’s preferred habitat.
