A devastating fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has claimed the lives of at least 16 students, leaving Kenya in mourning.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, when a fire reportedly broke out in one of the school dormitories at about 2am while students were asleep.
According to police reports, emergency responders were alerted to the incident around 3:30am, prompting frantic rescue operations at the school.
Several other students sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while many learners fled the school compound in panic as the blaze spread rapidly through the dormitory.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the dormitory door jammed during the inferno, trapping several students inside and making rescue efforts difficult.
Authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to 16, up from earlier reports indicating that 10 students had died in the tragedy.
Police officials said the exact number of casualties could not immediately be confirmed as officers continued combing the scene, conducting head counts and searching for missing students.
Meanwhile, anxious parents and government officials gathered at the school awaiting updates as authorities worked to identify the victims. Many parents expressed fears over the fate of their children as the identities of those who died had yet to be officially released.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
