A tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Central Kenya, has claimed the lives of at least 17 children, aged between five and twelve. The blaze, which erupted around midnight, engulfed a dormitory where the students were sleeping.
National police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the fatalities and noted that 16 other children sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized. The bodies of the victims, who were severely burned, are challenging to identify, with their average age estimated at around nine years old.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with authorities working to determine how the incident occurred. President William Ruto has expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families, promising a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The Kenyan Red Cross and a multi-agency response team are providing support and psychological assistance to the affected families and community.
