A catastrophic fire swept through a dormitory at a primary school in central Kenya’s county of Nyeri, killing at least 17 children. The fire began shortly before midnight at Hillside Endarasha Academy, home to about 800 pupils aged between five and 12.
Details of the Incident:
Fatalities: It is reported that 17 children died, with most of the bodies burnt beyond recognition. The average age of the victims is approximately nine years old.
Casualties: Sixteen children have been severely injured and are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The scene is still being processed, and the number of casualties could rise.
Official Reactions:
National police spokesperson Resila Onyango said the cause of the fire was not yet known at the moment and a full investigation had been launched. “More bodies are likely to be recovered once the scene is fully processed,” she stated.
President William Ruto mourned the death of the citizens and termed the tragedy as “devastating.” He promised a thorough investigation into the tragedy through social media and assured that those who caused the disaster will be brought to book.
Emergency Response:
The Kenyan Red Cross is actively working in response, giving psychosocial support to the affected pupils, teachers, and families. A multi-agency team is also on the ground to help in the response and recovery process.
Historical Background of Schools Fire:
Kenya has a worrying trend of school fires in history, which points to the need for enhanced means of improving safety in schools:
2016: A fire broke out in a girls’ high school in Kibera, Nairobi, and left nine students dead.
2001 : In Machakos District, Kyanguli Mixed Secondary School experienced an arson case that claimed 67 pupils’ lives,
1994 : Shauritanga Secondary School for Girls in Tanzania-40 girls died, 47 injured.
With this new development, there is need for reforms to be done and more security implanted in schools to ensure such happenings do not recur again.
