In Photos: Families, Locals Spotted At Hillside Endarasha Academy After Night Fire Kills 17 Pupils

• On September 6, 2024, Kenyans woke up to the news that 17 pupils had died in an inferno at Hillside Endarasaha Academmy in Nyeri county
• The dormitory housed 156 pupils from Grade Four to Grade Eight, and 16 of them died in the inferno while one was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital
• President William Ruto ordered the authorities to probe the matter where one more pupil died on the way to hospital

Kenyans are sad and shocked to learn that Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni constituency, Nyeri county, was razed down, and 16 pupils died in the inferno, while one died on the way to hospital

How many pupils have died at Hillside Endarasha Academy?

The fire erupted at midnight, catching the 824 students by surprise while they slept in the dormitory. A total of 16 pupils died at school, while one more died en route to the hospital.

Nyeri county police commander Benjamin Rotich confirmed that 14 other students sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire while search and recovery operations continue amid fears of more missing students.

Parents of children at the school and locals rushed to the premises to see what was happening, and below are some photos.

1. Hillside Endarasha Academy parents arrive at school

Parents and locals who heard about the fire were seen at the school looking pensive and sad about the unfortunate situation.

2. Emergency help at Hillside Endarasha Academy

As anxious parents made calls about the sad event that had occurred at the school, emergency service personnel were seen on hand, ready to help the victims and the people at the premises.

3. Part of Hillside Endarasha Academy cordoned off

A part of the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni constituency has been cordoned off with yellow tape to allow for investigations.

4. Cold morning at Hillside Endarasha Academy

Parents and relatives of pupils who were affected by the deadly inferno defied the cold morning to go and be with the school fraternity and find out what was going on.

5. Administration and police handling situation

Police were also spotted at the administration block helping the school to attend the situation of hurt pupils and anxious parents.

6. Hillside Endarasha Academy pensive parents outside school

Parents and locals also gathered outside the school as rescue operations continued inside, where 16 pupils lost their lives.

Thika boy dies in school

The incident comes barely two days after, Patrick Bahati, a pupil at Pebbles Academy in Thika, allegedly died at school as he was participating in a cross-country event.

The young boy had earlier told his mum that he didn't want to participate in the event, but his parents claimed that a teacher forced him to go and play.

The young boy was taken to Montezuma Funeral Home, and the school kept his smartwatch, the clothes he was wearing, and his shoes.

What you need to know about Hillside Endarasha Academy

• The dormitory housed 156 boys at the time, all of whom were boarders; the school has a total enrolment of 824 students, with 316 boarders
• President William Ruto ordered a thorough probe into the dormitory fire that killed at least 17 learners at Hillside Endarasha Academy, Nyeri county

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.