Deadly School Fire Tragedy Shocks Kenya
Kenya Red Cross personnel and relatives try to comfort a woman near the dormitory following a fire at the Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri, Kenya [AP Photo]
Endarasha, Kenya – A devastating fire that swept through a primary school dormitory in central Kenya has left 17 young boys dead and 70 missing, leaving families heartbroken and authorities scrambling for answers.
The blaze, which occurred at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, erupted around midnight, engulfing the rooms where over 150 boys were sleeping. While 27 children were rescued and taken to the hospital, the fate of the remaining 70 remains uncertain.
Police confirmed the deaths of 17 children, but the exact number of fatalities is still under investigation due to the severity of the burns. The government has launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and identify the victims.
The dormitory, which housed boys between grades four and eight, was reportedly overcrowded, violating safety standards. This tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children in Kenyan schools.
Families gathered at the school for news of their loved ones were overwhelmed by grief and despair. Many broke down in tears as they learned of the tragic loss.
“Please look for my kid. He can’t be dead. I want my child,” one woman cried out in distress.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but initial reports suggest that overcrowding and safety violations may have played a role. The National Gender and Equality Commission has called for a swift inquiry into the incident.
Survivors of the fire, wrapped in blankets, were transported to safety by school buses. Families and friends of the missing children are desperately searching for any information about their loved ones.
The Kenyan government has expressed condolences to the affected families and has pledged to hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable. The Red Cross and other relief organizations are providing assistance to the victims and their families.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures in Kenyan schools to prevent such devastating incidents from happening again.
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