A devastating fire ripped through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls' Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Kenya, killing at least 16 students and injuring dozens more. The blaze broke out around 1 a.m. and was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red Cross.
Fire Engulfs Packed Dormitory
The pre-dawn fire quickly engulfed the dormitory, which housed more than 200 students. Emergency teams were deployed, and initially, 15 students were feared dead. Police later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 16, with an unknown number of injured students rushed to various medical facilities. The injured are reported to be in stable condition.
Emergency Response
The Kenya Red Cross stated: 'Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response.' They added that first responders, ambulance crews, and psychosocial support personnel were on the ground assisting affected students alongside other responders and authorities.
Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams assess the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
President Ruto Mourns
President William Ruto expressed grief over the loss of young lives. In a statement on Thursday, he said the country was united in sorrow with families, teachers, and students affected by the devastating fire. 'Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,' Ruto said. 'No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.'
The President emphasized that the government's immediate focus is on rescuing those affected, ensuring treatment for the injured, and supporting families impacted by the incident. 'Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire. As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,' he said.
