Death toll in Hillside Academy fire tragedy rises to 21
The death toll from Thursday night fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri has climbed to 21.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said in a statement Saturday evening that 19 bodies were recovered from the scene while two more pupils succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
“The tragic loss of 21 of our children following the fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in the boys’ dormitory, which housed 156 boys, is a catastrophe beyond our imagination,” Mwaura said.
“Nineteen bodies have been recovered from the scene with the help of the DCI and the government pathologist on site. Two additional deaths have occurred in hospital at the Kenyatta National Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital, Nyeri,” he added.
Mwaura issued the statement moments after concluding his visit to the school where he had accompanied officials from the Ministry of Education led by CS Julius Ogamba and Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang.
He said the cause of the fire is not yet known but assured Kenyans that the government has mobilised all relevant agencies and continues to work diligently to conduct thorough investigations.
Pope Francis sends a condolence message to the families of Hillside Endarasha Academy victims