Several students are feared dead after a fire broke out in a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire was reported at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, prompting an emergency response from rescue teams.
The organization said it responded to support ongoing efforts at the school and has since deployed psychosocial support teams to assist affected students.
Several students feared dead as fire ravages dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy. Photo: Courtesy.
School authorities are currently conducting a headcount to determine the number of students present at the time of the incident and to establish the full extent of the tragedy.
Access to the school has been restricted, with police only allowing parents and guardians of students enrolled at the institution into the compound.
Rift Valley Regional Commander Masoud Mwinyi said authorities are awaiting reports from medical personnel attending to the students, as well as findings from investigators at the scene, before releasing an official statement on the cause and impact of the fire.
Preliminary reports indicate that students injured in the dormitory blaze were rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment.
The incident comes just days after another major fire destroyed 20 houses and 11 businesses in the Waruku area.
Emergency responders were deployed to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading further.
