Kenya school fire: 17 boys killed, 70 missing; investigation underway

A fire broke out in a school dormitory in Kenya, killing 17 boysand leaving 13 others with serious burns, according to police reports on Friday (Sep 6). Authorities fear the death toll could increase, as more than a dozen injured students have been rushed to the hospital with severe burns.

The country'sDeputy President Rigathi Gachagua said at least 70 students were missing after the unfortunate tragedy.

"We still have 70 kids that are unaccounted -- that does not mean they are perished or they are injured. The word is that they are unaccounted for," Gachagua was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

The 17 boys killed were said to be sleeping when the firetore through the dormitory inthe early hours of Friday, said the police.

Isaac Mwaura, a government spokesperson, said that the boyswere in grades 4 to 8 and aroundnineto 13 years old.

The incident occurred at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Kenyan President William Ruto called the fire "horrific" and "devastating." He has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, and in a social media post said, "Those responsible will be held to account".

A team of investigators has been sent to the school, according to the police. Police spokesperson Resila Onyango told news agency AFPthat the recovered bodies were "burnt beyond recognition." She also said that more bodies may be discovered as the investigation continues.

The Kenya Red Cross is offering psychosocial support to the affected students, teachers, and families. They have also established a tracing service at the school.

Fires in boarding schools are not uncommon in Kenya. In 2017, a fire at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi claimed the lives of 10 students in an arson attack.

Over 20 years ago, 67 students died in Machakos County in the deadliest school fire in Kenya's history.

(With inputs from agencies)