Kenya: Horror fire tears through dormitory at girls' school killing at least 15 students

A fire tore through a dormitory at a girls’ school overnight, killing at least 15 students, police said on Thursday. A horror blaze erupted at Utumishi Girls’ Academy Senior School in Gilgil in Nakuru County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

Several more students were also feared to be injured, the Gilgil Police Station said in a report seen by Reuters. The cause of the fire was not known, it said. Footage aired by Citizen Television showed broken window panes and smoke-stained walls. Around 50 police officers rushed to the scene, while searches were carried out around the school for students who may have fled when the fire broke out.

Masoud Mwinyi, a senior police commander, told reporters at the school: “It is a distressing and saddening situation.

“As we speak now, we are combing the area. Out of fear and anxiety, many students moved outside, and this happened at night.

“Our team of nearly fifty officers is searching the surrounding areas to establish who may still be out there.” The fire broke out at around 1am local time with several students being treated for injuries in hospital.

A police investigation into the incident has been launched.

“One thing we want to assure parents and the nation is that investigations started immediately. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has already dispatched a team, and they are currently on the ground,” added Mwinyi.

A statement from the Kenya Police Service said: “Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where police are leading rescue and emergency response efforts following a tragic dormitory fire in which a number of students have unfortunately lost their lives.

“Several other students were injured and are receiving treatment as the National Police Service, working alongside the Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Education, Interior, The County Government of Nakuru, the NGAO, The Kenya Redcross and other emergency teams, continues with search, rescue and support operations.

“We are working to account for all students and support affected families during this difficult time.”