At least 16 students have d!ed after a massive fire tore through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Kenya, in a tragedy that has shocked the country.
The fire reportedly broke out around 1 a.m. on Thursday and was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m., according to the Kenya Red Cross. Dozens of other students were injured and rushed to hospital after the pre-dawn blaze engulfed the packed dormitory, which housed more than 200 learners.
Emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the fire broke out at the school, with at least 15 students initially feared de@d.
Police later confirmed that the death toll had risen to about 16, while an unknown number of injured students were taken to various medical facilities with injuries of varying severity. Authorities said the injured students are in stable condition.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross said:
“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30 a.m. at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response.”
The organisation added:
“Our first responders, @EMS_Kenya ambulance crew, and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities.”
Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams continue to assess the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Kenyan President William Ruto has mourned the students who lost their lives in the tragedy.
In a statement on Thursday, the President said the country was united in grief with the families, teachers, and students affected by the devastating fire.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto said.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.”
The President said the government’s immediate focus was on rescuing those affected, ensuring treatment for the injured, and supporting the impacted families.
“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire.
“As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” he added.
