In the wake of the horrific Hillside Endarasha dorm fire, that claimed the innocent lives of 17 children, two more schools have temporarily closed after fire razed down the school’s dormitories.
The two schools, Maiani High School and St. Peter Claver Secondary School- Kithuki, dormitories were razed down.
In both cases, property of unknown value was damaged.
The Makueni tragedies come hours after 17 pupils were burnt beyond recognition by an inferno that broke out at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.
Hillside Endarasha Fire
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the unfortunate incident and has immediately begun a joint investigation with the Ministry of Interior. The root cause of the fire is unknown and no one has been held responsible so far.
Confirming the incident, Basic Education PS, Belio Kipsang, said 14 pupils sustained critical injuries and are still recuperating. They were rushed to the nearest medical facilities for stabilization and treatment.
“The Ministry of Education sends its heartfelt condolences to the parents, families and friends of the learners who lost their lives in this regrettable tragedy,” Kipsang commented.
National Police Service Spokesperson, Dr Resila Onyango, also confirmed the early Friday incident. One of the dormitories housing the pupils caught fire in bizarre circumstances.
Top police apparatus from both Nyeri and Nairobi counties rushed to the scene of the incident. They included Deputy Director DCI, John Onyango, Director Homicide Unit, Martin Nyuguto, and NPS Disaster Management Unit.
“We have 16 pupils dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and take necessary action,” she said.
The 16 are said to be burnt beyond recognition. At least 14 others were critically injured and rushed to hospital. The number of casualties is expected to rise. More bodies are likely to be recovered once the scene is fully processed.
The cause of the incident is still known. Parents and guardians of the pupils were put on notice and made their way there.
The scene has been preserved awaiting the homicide team. All response teams were sent to the scene to help the situation.
Two People Arrested
A witness at hand at St.Peter Claver Secondary School, claims that the fire broke out while the students were having an entertainment session in the school hall.
According to credible sources, 2 people have since been arrested concerning the St. Peter Claver School fire. Police have since commenced a probe into the early night fire.
Meanwhile, the Maini High School fire, broke out while the students were attending their usual evening classes.
However, no casualties were reported from both incidents.
