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Nairobi. A massive fire broke out at a boarding school in central Kenya late Thursday night. 17 students died in the accident and 13 others were seriously injured, while 77 students are reported missing. Police gave this information on Friday. National Police Service spokesperson Rasila Onyango said that 14 students were sent to hospital with severe burns after a fire broke out at Hillside Andarasha Primary Academy in Nyeri County. One died after being admitted to the hospital.
“We are investigating the cause of the fire and taking necessary action. So far, 17 students have died,” Onyango told Xinhua news agency by phone. Kenyan President William Ruto described the news as “devastating” and said those responsible would be prosecuted.
He said in a post on Twitter, “I instruct the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held accountable.” Eyewitnesses said that a hostel has been completely destroyed in the fire. It is feared that the death toll in this massive fire may increase. Local police said that rescue teams are present at the spot to handle the situation.
There are a large number of boarding schools in Kenya. Parents there believe that sending their children to these schools gives them more time to study and they do not have to travel long distances. In 2016, nine girl students died in a fire at a girls’ high school in the Kibera area of Nairobi.
first published : September 6, 2024, 8:27 pm IST
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