Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 17 Children in Kenya
Tragic Fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Central Kenya Claims Lives of 17 Children
A devastating fire swept through a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Central Kenya, killing at least 17 children and injuring many others. The tragedy unfolded late Thursday night when the fire broke out around midnight, engulfing the dormitory where young pupils, aged between five and 12, were asleep. The school, which has a student population of approximately 800, is now at the center of a national tragedy.
The fire claimed the lives of 17 children, with their bodies recovered from the scene severely burned, making identification difficult. The average age of the victims is estimated to be around nine years old. Sixteen other children were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. National police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the death toll and stated that there are concerns more bodies could be discovered as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. A team of investigators has been deployed to the school to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
President William Ruto expressed his deep sorrow and offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. “Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news,” he stated. He called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable and assured the public that the government is mobilizing all necessary resources to support the affected families. “We pray for the speedy recovery of the survivors,” the president added in a statement on X.
The Kenyan Red Cross is on the ground, working alongside a multi-agency response team to provide psychological support to the students, teachers, and affected families. A tracing desk has been set up at the school to assist in locating missing individuals. According to the BBC, fears are mounting that the death toll could rise, as more than a dozen others have been hospitalized with severe burns.
This incident has brought nationwide attention to the safety of school dormitories and the need for stringent fire safety measures in educational institutions across Kenya. The government has vowed to support the affected families and ensure that justice is served for the victims of this tragic incident.