The Police have detained more than 10 students from Utumishi Girls Academy as investigations intensify into the fatal dormitory fire that killed 16 learners and left several others injured.
According to police reports, the inferno, could have been an arson attack that gutted the upper floor of one of the dormitories, trapping students inside.
According to reports, 16 students were confirmed dead. In comparison, at least 79 other students sustained serious injuries during the incident and were rushed to various hospitals for treatment, with 71 later released in stable condition.
Over ten girls detained in Utumishi Girls’ suspected arson attack
Detectives handling the case have reportedly isolated the students inside one of the school blocks, where they spent Thursday night under police custody as questioning continued.
Additionally, several other learners who had left the institution in the company of their parents and guardians have also been recalled to assist with the ongoing investigations.
Further reports indicate that the police are pursuing multiple leads, including claims by survivors that security lights within the school compound are routinely switched off every night at exactly 10:10 pm.
Further allegations indicate that the burnt dormitory may have been locked from the outside, potentially preventing students from escaping when the fire started.
