A fire killed at least 17 pupils after breaking out at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County. The blaze erupted at midnight, destroying the students’ dormitory.
The fire claimed 15 students at the scene, and one more died while being rushed to the hospital. Police Spokeswoman Resila Onyango said, “We have 17 pupils dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and will take necessary action.” Many of the victims suffered burns beyond recognition.
The tragedy shocked the school and the local community. Parents rushed to the school, desperate for news about their children. Emergency responders arrived quickly but faced difficulties due to the fast-spreading fire.
Authorities suspect they may recover more bodies as investigations continue. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Homicide Unit are on-site to determine the cause of the blaze.
Nyeri County Police Commander Benjamin Rotich confirmed the deaths and stated that 14 other students suffered serious injuries. The injured students are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
This incident has sparked concerns about fire safety in Kenyan schools. The government is likely to review safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
More to follow
