A fire that broke out in a primary school dormitory in central Kenya has already killed 21 people, according to the latest government toll, while dozens of students are still missing, plunging families into anguish.
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County broke out on Thursday around midnight in a dormitory where more than 150 boys were sleeping. The school, which has 800 students aged 9 to 12 or 13, is located in a semi-rural area some 170 km north of the capital Nairobi.
The death toll has risen to 21, government spokesman Isaac Muaura said today. “Investigations into the deaths have been completed. It is with great regret that we report that 19 bodies were found in this place,” he told reporters, adding that two more victims ended up in hospital.
An earlier toll announced this morning by President William Ruto said 18 boys died in the fire.
“It is incredibly painful for the country to lose so many promising young Kenyans. Our hearts are heavy. This is a disaster beyond imagination,” said President Ruto.
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