Several students are feared dead while others sustained injuries following a devastating fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, early Thursday morning.
According to authorities, the fire broke out in one of the school dormitories at around 1am, although the Kenya Red Cross said the incident was officially reported at approximately 3:30am.
Gilgil Subcounty Police Commander Winston Mwakio confirmed the incident, saying the exact number of casualties and injured students was yet to be established as rescue operations and headcounts continued.
“The situation is still developing and we are yet to confirm the total number of victims,” said Mwakio.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi stated that search and rescue efforts were ongoing, with emergency response teams working through the debris to establish whether more students could be trapped.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, with investigators expected to begin inquiries once rescue operations are concluded.
The school compound has since been cordoned off by security officers to allow emergency personnel and investigators to carry out their work without interference.
Worried parents flocked to the institution following news of the tragedy, anxiously waiting for information about the safety of their children amid fears that the death toll could rise.
School management announced that only parents and authorized officials would be allowed access into the compound as authorities continue accounting for all learners.
Emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel, remained at the scene throughout the morning as efforts to assist the injured and determine the full extent of the tragedy continued.