A tragic fire has claimed the lives of 17 students and injured 13 others at a boarding school in Kenya. Authorities are investigating the cause, while President Ruto vows to hold the responsible parties accountable.
A devastating fire tore through a school dormitory in Kenya on Thursday night, killing 17 students and seriously burning 13 others, according to police. The incident has left a community in mourning and raised concerns about the safety of boarding schools in the country.
The fire erupted at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, located 125 miles north of the capital, Nairobi. The dormitory, which housed over 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14, was quickly engulfed in flames due to its wooden construction.
Devastating Fire Kills 17, Injures 13 in Kenyan Boarding School
Firefighters and rescue workers rushed to the scene, but their efforts were hampered by muddy roads caused by heavy rains. Anxious parents waited outside the school, desperate for news of their children.
Kenyan President William Ruto called the news "devastating" and ordered a thorough investigation. He pledged to hold those responsible accountable. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, urged school administrators to ensure that safety guidelines are strictly followed.
Devastating Fire Kills 17, Injures 13 in Kenyan Boarding School
School fires are unfortunately not uncommon in Kenya, often triggered by arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding. In 2017, 10 high school students died in a fire started by a student in Nairobi. In 2001, 67 students perished in a dormitory fire in Machakos county, the deadliest school fire in Kenya's recent history.
The Education Ministry's guidelines for boarding schools require spacious dormitories with two doors on each end, an emergency door in the middle, and windows without grills. Fully serviced fire extinguishers and fire alarms must be placed in easily accessible locations. It is not yet clear whether these guidelines were followed at Hillside School.
The area near the burned dormitory remains cordoned off as authorities continue their investigation. The tragedy has sparked a national debate about school safety and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations.
Parents and community members have expressed outrage over the incident, demanding answers and accountability. The Kenyan Red Cross and other organizations are providing support to the affected families and survivors.
The fire has cast a dark shadow over the country, reminding Kenyans of the fragility of life and the importance of ensuring the safety of children in schools.
