The death toll from a devastating fire at a primary school dormitory in central Kenya has risen to 18, with authorities reporting that 70 children remain unaccounted for. The blaze, which erupted at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, has left the community reeling and families anxiously awaiting news of their children.
The fire broke out just after midnight on Friday, engulfing a dormitory where more than 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14 were sleeping. Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire have been initiated.
In addition to the fatalities, 27 children have been hospitalized with injuries. The death toll increased late Friday when one student succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Authorities expect the number of casualties may rise further, given the significant number of missing children.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to community members who may have sheltered some of the children to bring them back for proper accounting. The school, located in Kenya’s central highlands about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, has a total enrollment of 824 students.
The rapid spread of the fire is attributed to the wooden plank construction of most of the school’s buildings. This incident has raised concerns about safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, with Gachagua urging school administrators to adhere to safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry.
President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff to honor the deceased children. In a statement on social media platform X, Ruto promised a thorough investigation, stating, “Those responsible will be held to account.”
School fires are not uncommon in Kenya, often linked to arson, drug abuse, and overcrowding, according to a recent education ministry report. Many parents opt for boarding schools, believing they provide more study time for their children without long commutes.
This tragedy is reminiscent of Kenya’s deadliest school fire in 2001, when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos County.
As the community grapples with this disaster, families continue to wait anxiously for information about their children. The government has pledged to mobilize all available resources to support the affected families during this challenging time.
africanews.com
