17 students killed in Fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, Nyeri

A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri has claimed the lives of 18 students. One student succumbed to injuries in the hospital later in the day.

17 of the students who lost their lives were burnt beyond recognition. 14 students sustained serious injuries from the fire and were rushed to the hospital. 11 injured students were transported to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital.

The school has a total of 824 students with 422 female students and 402 male students. 156 boys and 160 girls are boarders while the rest are day scholars. The dormitory that was destroyed in the fire housed all 156 male boarding students.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua disclosed that 70 students remain unaccounted for after the tragic fire. He clarified that this number does not indicate casualties but refers to children who may have been taken home by their parents or are still missing amidst the confusion.

According to Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu, the fire broke out in the dormitory around 3:00 AM, and the wooden structures caused the flames to spread rapidly, despite the swift response of the county government’s disaster management teams.

“Most of the structures in this school are wooden, which worsened the fire,”Murugu said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed it is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to manage the crisis and to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured students.

“The Ministry of Education is working with the Ministry of Interior, National Administration and the Ministry of Health to manage the situation and ensure that injured students receive the best medical care,” said Belio Kipsang.

A thorough investigation into the cause of the tragic fire is being conducted by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and relevant security authorities.

President William Ruto has directed that an investigation be conducted immediately to determine the cause of the fire.

“I have directed the relevant authorities to investigate this horrific incident thoroughly. Those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condoled the families and called on schools to implement the safety and security measures set by the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to prevent the recurring fires.

“We pray for a quick recovery of the survivors of this inferno. May God grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki visited the site and vowed to hold accountable anyone found responsible for causing the fire.

“The government assures full accountability for all whose action or inaction contributed to this tremendous loss,” he said.

Parents whose children have been confirmed dead wailed uncontrollably, while others anxiously anticipate news of their loved ones.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established.