A devastating fire broke out at Hillside Endarasha Academy, a boarding school located in Kieni West, Nyeri County, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 17 students. The incident occurred on Thursday night in one of the dormitories, where the fire rapidly spread, trapping many pupils inside.

National Police Service Spokesperson Dr. Resilia Onyango confirmed the unfortunate event, stating that the 17 students who perished were burnt beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the blaze.

In addition to the fatalities, 13 other students sustained serious burns and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Authorities are closely monitoring their conditions as they receive care for their life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, leaving the school community and concerned parents searching for answers. In response to the disaster, a team of law enforcement officials has been dispatched to the school to launch an investigation.

The Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), John Onyango, and the Director of Homicide Martin Nyuguto are leading the probe. Their team will thoroughly examine the site, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to uncover the source of the fire and determine if any foul play was involved.

This tragedy has left the entire community in mourning, with parents, teachers, and students grappling with the immense loss. Local authorities are now calling for heightened safety measures in schools to prevent future tragedies.

As the investigation into the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy continues, families and the broader community await answers that may bring some closure to this heartbreaking incident.