Kenya School Fire Claims 17 Lives, Injures 13

A tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, Kenya, claimed the lives of 17 students and left 13 others with severe burns, according to police reports. The fire, which broke out Thursday night, engulfed a dormitory housing more than 150 boys.

Officials fear the death toll could rise. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, said police spokesperson Resila Onyango.

Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu confirmed that the dormitory’s wooden structure contributed to the fire spreading rapidly. The school, home to 824 students, is located 200 kilometers north of Nairobi in the central highlands.

Devastated parents gathered at the school, anxiously searching for their children. President William Ruto expressed his sorrow, calling the incident “devastating” and ordered a thorough investigation. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stressed the need for boarding schools to adhere to safety regulations.

School fires are a recurring issue in Kenya, often linked to overcrowding and arson. In 2017, 10 students perished in a fire started by a fellow student, while the deadliest fire occurred in 2001, killing 67 students in Machakos County.

Source: Africanews