Elaborate on the tragic event that occurred at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, Kenya.
A devastating fire swept through the dormitory of Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 17 children. The tragedy occurred around midnight, engulfing the rooms where the children were sleeping. The primary school, which has approximately 800 pupils aged between five and 12, was left reeling from the disaster.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the fatalities and reported that several others were injured, with 16 of them seriously hurt and rushed to a nearby hospital. The victims’ bodies were burnt beyond recognition, and more fatalities are expected as the scene is fully processed.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but an investigation has been launched. President William Ruto expressed his condolences and instructed officials to thoroughly investigate the incident, promising accountability for those responsible.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident, as there have been numerous school fires in Kenya and East Africa. In 2016, nine students were killed in a fire at a girls’ high school in Nairobi, and in 2001, 67 pupils died in an arson attack on their dormitory. The Kenyan Red Cross is providing support services to those affected.
The incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and emergency preparedness in schools to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
