Fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy kills 18 Students

Nyeri County, Kenya – Tragedy struck at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County when a devastating fire engulfed the school dormitory, leading to the deaths of several students. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, has left the school community in shock and mourning.

According to witnesses, the fire started at around 2 a.m. when most of the students were asleep in their dormitories. Despite quick efforts by the school administration and local residents to control the fire, the flames rapidly spread, making it difficult to rescue all the students in time.

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though investigations are still ongoing. Rescue teams, including the Nyeri County Fire Department, responded to the emergency, but by the time the fire was extinguished, the damage had been done.

Loss of Life and Injuries

Authorities have confirmed that atleast 18 students lost their lives in the tragedy. The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially released, as search and recovery operations continue. Many students also sustained injuries, with some being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The full extent of the injuries is yet to be determined, but several are in critical condition.

Nyeri County officials, led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we are committed to supporting them during this difficult time,” Governor Kahiga said in a statement.

The Ministry of Education has dispatched officials to the school to investigate the cause of the fire and assess safety standards in the facility. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu also expressed his condolences, stating that safety protocols in schools would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the government has pledged to review safety measures in boarding schools across the country. Hillside Endarasha Academy has been temporarily closed, with plans for rebuilding and providing long-term support for the affected families in progress.

The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for rigorous safety measures in schools, particularly in boarding facilities, to ensure the safety and well-being of students.