15 college students feared useless after fireplace at ladies’ academy as emergency companies swarm
The fire is said to have broken out at around 1am and was reported at approximately 3.30am on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red Cross. At least 15 students are feared dead
An estimated 15 students have died, police said
At least 15 students are feared to have been killed after a fire ripped through a dorm at a girls’ academy in the middle of the night.
Kenya Red Cross responded to a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where at least 15 students are feared dead, according to police. Several victims have been rushed to hospital with minor to severe injuries.
Officials said: “The number of fatalities is estimated to be about 15, in number while an unknown number of injured victims were rushed to various medical facilities with different degrees of injuries and admitted in stable condition.”
The fire is said to have broken out at around 1am and was reported at approximately 3.30am on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red Cross. In a statement, Kenya Red Cross said: “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.
“Our first responders, @EMS_Kenya ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities.”
An emergency response is currently ongoing as teams try to assess the situation and support those affected by the horror fire. No more details have been released yet as an investigation into what caused the fire is launched.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi said the teams had not accounted for at least 10 students. He said: “Our teams are on the ground to gather more and account for all the students as part of the probe into this incident. We have casualties and the families have to be informed first.”
Parents crowded outside the school gate after discovering the tragic news. Police have restricted access to the site and rescue operations continued. Those injured in the blaze were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for assessment and treatment.
Speaking at the school, principal deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mousad Mwinyi said officers had launched an extensive search operation around the institution.
He said: “As we speak now, we are combing the area. Out of fear and anxiety, many students moved out, and this happened at night. Our team of nearly fifty officers is searching the surrounding areas to establish who may still be out there.”
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