The death toll from the tragic dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in central Kenya has risen to 21, with government officials working to account for missing boys. The fire, which broke out Thursday night, destroyed a dormitory housing 156 boys aged 10 to 14. Over 100 children have been accounted for, but several remain missing.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged patience as agencies work to identify the victims, many of whom were burned beyond recognition. A government pathologist and morticians from the Nyeri Provincial Hospital have been deployed to assist in identifying the deceased. Parents and community members are urged to come forward with any information on the missing boys.
The fire has left the local community devastated, and questions remain about the cause of the blaze. The government has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. Meanwhile, officials have also called on nearby residents to assist in accounting for all the students affected by the fire.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about school safety in Kenya, prompting the government to review safety protocols in schools across the country to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.