At least 17 pupils killed after school caught fire in Kenya as cops fear death toll will rise with 13 seriously injured
AT LEAST 17 students have died after a horror fire broke out at a primary school in Kenya overnight.
Officials fear the death toll could rise as at least 13 other people have been rushed to hospital with severe burns.
Cops have launched an investigation into what sparked the blaze at the Hillside Endarasha Primary school in Nyeri county.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango said: “There are 17 fatalities from this incident and there are also others who were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“The bodies recovered at the scene were burnt beyond recognition.
“We are investigating the cause and will take necessary action.
“More bodies are likely to be recovered once (the) scene is fully processed,” she added.
A team of investigators has been deployed to the school.
According to some reports, as many as 16 students were seriously injured and are recieving medical treatment at Nyeri Provincial General Hospital.
The fire engulfed a dormitory at the academy, suggesting it was a boarding school, regional outlet Kenyans reports.
It broke out at around midnight when post of the students were sleeping, police official Benjamin Rotich said.
Some 15 children were found dead at the scene and one died on the way to hospital.
Emergency responders battled to contain the fire but struggled as it spread quickly.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Deputy Director John Onyango and Director of Homicide Martin Nyoguto from the local police department were sent to the school this morning,
They are set to investigate whether any possible negligence by the school led to the students’ deaths.
The Kenya Red Cross is also working at the school to give support to students, teachers and families.
Nyeri County is located in central Kenya.
Fires are reportedly common at boarding schools in Kenya where many pupils live so they can study without long commutes.
In 2017, some 10 students died in a fire at their school in Nairobi.
And at least 67 students died in the deadliest Kenyan school fire over 20 years ago in Machakos Country, south-east of Nairobi.