A tragic fire swept through a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 17 children. The fire, which broke out around midnight, affected young students between the ages of five and 12, while they slept.
The primary school, home to about 800 students, is now reeling from the devastating loss. National police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the fatalities and mentioned that others were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries. The victims’ bodies were badly burned, making identification difficult. The children who passed away were believed to be around nine years old.
In addition to the fatalities, 16 other children sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent care. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, with the possibility of uncovering more victims as the search continues.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and wishing the survivors a quick recovery. He also directed officials to investigate the incident thoroughly, assuring the public that those responsible would face justice. “The government is mobilizing all necessary resources to assist the affected families,” the president shared in a post on X.
The Kenyan Red Cross is actively supporting students, teachers, and families, providing psychological care in the wake of the disaster. A multi-agency team is on the ground, coordinating efforts to manage the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
