Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 17 Boys at Kenyan Boarding School

A tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in central Kenya killed 17 boys and injured 14 others. The dormitory housed 156 students, and the cause of the fire remains unclear. Authorities are investigating the incident, which adds to Kenya's history of deadly school fires.

A devastating fire claimed the lives of 17 boys in the dormitory of Hillside Endarasha Academy in central Kenya on Friday early morning. The boys, who ranged from grades 4 to 8, were sleeping when the blaze tore through the building.

Local resident Phillip Gathogo, who attempted to rescue the children, described the scene as harrowing. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the dormitory housed 156 students at the time of the fire. Another 14 boys were injured, and 70 pupils remain unaccounted for.

Vice President Rigathi Gachagua mentioned that some of the missing children might have been taken home by their parents. President William Ruto ordered a thorough investigation into what he termed a 'horrific incident.' Authorities have cordoned off the school, and crime scene investigators are on-site. Kenya has a troubling history of fatal school fires, with previous incidents suspected to be arson.

(With inputs from agencies.)