Kenya school fire: 17 students dead, investigation launched
By Ezekiel David
At least 17 students have died in a fire at a boarding school, Hillside Endarasha Academy, in central Kenya, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, and there are concerns that the death toll could rise, as over a dozen others are hospitalised with severe burns.
The cause of the fire at the primary school in Nyeri County remains undetermined. President William Ruto described the event as “horrific” and “devastating,” and has ordered a thorough investigation, stating that “those responsible will be held to account.”
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango stated that the bodies retrieved were “burnt beyond recognition” after an investigation team was sent to the spot. She also noted that as the inquiry goes on, more bodies might turn up.
The Kenya Red Cross is providing trauma counselling to students, teachers, and families affected by the tragedy and has established a tracking desk at the school.
Hillside Endarasha Academy, a private primary school with over 800 students aged 5 to 12, is located near Nyeri town, about 150 km (93 miles) north of Nairobi.
Kenya has seen several school fires in the past, most notably an arson assault at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi in 2017 that claimed ten lives.
(Source: BBC)
