Tragedy struck a boarding school in central Kenya on Thursday night, September 5, as a fire engulfed a dormitory, claiming the lives of at least 17 pupils, according to police. The primary school, Hillside Endarasha Academy, located in Nyeri county, was the site of the devastating incident whose cause is yet to be determined.
Resila Onyango, the spokesperson for the school, informed the public through a broadcast on Kenya's Hot 96 FM radio that additional rescuers were on their way to the scene while authorities would provide more information at a later time. "We have lost 17 pupils in the fire incident while 14 others have sustained injuries," Onyango informed Reuters in a telephone conversation. "Our team is currently at the scene of the tragedy."
According to reports from Citizen Television, the fire had burned the students beyond recognition, further exacerbating the already grim situation. In response, President William Ruto expressed his shock and sorrow, condemning the fire as "horrific" and "devastating". He has since called for a thorough investigation into the matter, promising that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
In light of this tragic event, a team of investigators has been dispatched to the school, as confirmed by the police. It was revealed that there were more than 150 pupils in the dormitory at the time of the fire, which started shortly after midnight. Police chief Pius Murugu stated that the blaze spread rapidly due to the majority of the school's buildings being made of timber, as reported by a journalist from Citizen TV.
naijanews
Post a Comment