Nyeri: 16 Students Killed After Night Fire Razes Down Dormitory

• A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy claimed the lives of 16 pupils, with one more dying en route to the hospital
• The fire erupted at midnight, catching the 824 students by surprise while they slept in the dormitory
• 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

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nyeri - At least 16 pupils have lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out at Hillside Endarasha Academy Primary School.

The fire ravaged the school's dormitory, where the children were sleeping, resulting in the unimaginable loss of life.

National Police Service Spokesperson Resilia Onyango reported that 16 of the children were burnt beyond recognition, while one died while being rushed to the hospital.

"We lost 16 pupils who were burnt beyond recognition, and there is another one who died while being taken to hospital. We are investigating the cause and take necessary action," she said.

A search and recovery operation was launched early Friday, September 6 morning, amid growing concerns that more students may be missing.

How are injured Hillside Endarasha students doing?

Nyeri County Police Commander Benjamin Rotich revealed that the 14 other students had sustained serious injuries.

He explained that the injured had been rushed to nearby medical facilities, where doctors are battling to stabilise those in critical condition.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, and authorities are launching a full investigation to determine how it started.

Rotich stated that the fire erupted at around midnight, catching most of the 824 pupils at the school off guard as they slept.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but the fast-moving flames made it difficult to save everyone.

Form 3 student saves trapped child from fire

In a separate incident, residents of Embu hailed a young boy for his heroic acts during a tough time in the area.

Brian Kimanthi acted fast to save a young soul from dying prematurely, leaving many in awe of his fearlessness.

The child was trapped in a house following a fire in the area, but Kimanthi's compassion and fortitude saved the day.

The Form Three student jumped in the house and rescued the little one before the house burned into ashes.

Kimanthi, who studies at Karau Day Secondary School, was praised for his selfless act, putting his life on the line for another.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke