A tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya, has claimed the lives of at least 17 pupils and left 13 others seriously burned. The fire broke out around midnight on Thursday, engulfing the dormitory while the pupils were asleep, authorities confirmed.

Local police reported that the fire burnt the students beyond recognition, with the cause of the blaze still under investigation. Kenya Citizen Television earlier reported the extent of the devastation, as emergency responders worked to control the flames. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as investigations continue.

The Kenya Red Cross, in a statement on X, announced that the school had been cordoned off and that they were providing psychosocial support services to those affected by the tragic incident. The disaster has sent shockwaves through the community, with families and officials calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of students in boarding schools.

In a post on X, President William Ruto urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the horrific incident and hold those responsible accountable. Vice President Rigathi Gachagua also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry for boarding schools, urging school administrators to prioritize student safety to prevent such tragedies in the future.