Tragic fire at Kenyan primary school dormitory claims lives of 18 students
A tragic fire broke out in a wooden dormitory located 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, Kenya, claiming the lives of 18 students and leaving 70 others missing. The incident occurred on Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, a facility catering to children up to the age of 14.
Kenyan President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning, with flags being flown at half-mast during this period to honor the victims. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to police spokesperson Resila Onyango.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga reported that adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, had caused difficulties in transportation to the area. Distraught parents anxiously awaited news of their children at the site as rescue efforts continued.
One grandfather, John Rukwaro, shared his distress with the Associated Press, revealing that he had been unable to locate his 11-year-old grandson and had not received any updates from local hospitals. Education Ministry Secretary Belio Kipsang stated that search teams and school officials were collaborating to locate the missing students.
President Ruto vowed that those responsible for the incident would be held accountable, calling for a thorough investigation. Vice President Gachagua highlighted ongoing efforts to determine whether the dormitory met safety standards.
Sadly, fires in Kenyan boarding schools are not uncommon, with factors such as flammable materials and overcrowding often contributing to such incidents. Past tragedies, including a fire in 2017 that claimed 10 lives and a 2001 blaze that resulted in 67 deaths, serve as haunting reminders of the importance of ensuring the safety of students in educational facilities.
