Kenya is in mourning following a devastating fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.
According to an official statement released by the government, the tragic incident occurred at around 12:45 a.m. when a fire broke out in a dormitory located on the second floor of the school. At the time, the institution had a total student population of 808 learners.
Emergency response teams moved swiftly to contain the inferno. The fire was finally brought under control by 3:00 a.m. through a coordinated effort involving the county security team, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and the Nakuru County Fire Brigade.
Authorities confirmed that 79 students sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Out of those admitted, 71 students have since been discharged after receiving medical care, while seven others remain hospitalized in stable condition. One student was reportedly picked up by a parent.
The heartbreaking loss of 16 young lives has sent shockwaves across the country, with leaders, parents, and Kenyans expressing grief and solidarity with the affected families. Identification of the bodies is currently ongoing with support from the Ministry of Health and officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Investigations into the cause of the fire have also commenced as authorities seek answers surrounding the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, students whose parents or guardians arrived at the school have been allowed to return home as counseling and support services continue.
The government has established a support desk at the school to assist affected families, while additional information and emergency support can be accessed through the national hotline number 1199.
A multi-agency crisis response team comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the County Government of Nakuru, and the Kenya Red Cross remains on site coordinating rescue, counseling, and recovery efforts.
The nation continues to stand with the grieving families during this painful moment.
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