Tragic school fire in Kenya claims 17 lives, investigation underway

In a tragic fire that broke out at a school in central Kenya, at least 17 children died, and 13 others suffered severe burns. The death toll may rise if more bodies are found in the building’s rubble.

The tragic event took place at the abandoned Hillside Endarasha Academy dormitory in Nyeri, located about 150 kilometres north of Nairobi, on the night from Thursday to Friday (6 September).

National Police spokeswoman, Resila Onyango, reported that the victims’ bodies were "burned beyond recognition".

Regarding this incident, we are dealing with 17 fatalities. Other individuals were transported to hospitals with severe injuries, Onyango reported.

Onyango also expressed concern that the death toll could rise if more bodies are found in the building’s rubble.

The causes of the fire remain unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Fires in school dormitories are quite common in Kenya, where many students live away from home to ensure better learning conditions.

In 2017, in a similar tragedy at a school in Nairobi, at least 10 students lost their lives.

At least 67 students died in Machakos County, southeast of Nairobi, in the deadliest school arson in Kenya, which took place more than 20 years ago.

Details of the tragedy and its aftermath were reported, among others, by "The Independent". The Kenyan Red Cross stated that they are providing psychosocial support services to students, teachers, and families affected by the tragedy, and have also set up a tracing point at the school.