A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri has plunged the community into mourning as at least 17 lives have been lost and 70 children remain missing. The incident, which occurred in a boys’ dormitory at the mixed boarding private primary school, has sparked widespread concern and sorrow, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out in a dormitory with a 156-bed capacity, housing only boys. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed the tragic news during a press briefing on Friday afternoon after visiting the school. According to Gachagua, 37 pupils have been successfully reunited with their parents, while 27 others are receiving treatment in the hospital. Among the deceased, one succumbed to injuries sustained in the blaze, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Authorities are yet to disclose the total number of pupils who were present in the dormitory at the time of the fire. However, Gachagua confirmed that the whereabouts of 86 pupils have been verified. As the search for the missing children continues, the Deputy President urged the public to remain patient and refrain from speculation, emphasizing the need for accurate information as the investigation unfolds.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and the police, have been working tirelessly since the incident was reported. The Kenya Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have also been on-site to provide support to affected families and the school community. Rescue teams have been combing through the rubble in hopes of finding any survivors, but the operation has been hampered by the extensive damage caused by the fire.
Deputy President Gachagua assured the public that the government is fully committed to supporting the recovery efforts. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that all the missing children are accounted for and that the affected families receive the support they need during this difficult time,” he stated. He also pledged to ensure that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community Response
The tragic incident has elicited an outpouring of grief and support from the local community and across the country. Parents, guardians, and community members have gathered at the school, anxiously awaiting updates on the missing children. The mood at the school remains somber as parents hold onto the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
The community’s response has been characterized by solidarity, with local leaders, religious figures, and residents coming together to offer emotional and material support to the affected families. Psychosocial support services have also been mobilized to help families and survivors cope with the trauma of the tragedy.
Call for Patience and Support
Deputy President Gachagua called for patience and support from the public as the recovery and investigation efforts continue. He emphasized the importance of allowing authorities to carry out their work without interference or undue pressure. “We understand the pain and anxiety that everyone is feeling, but it’s crucial that we allow the experts to do their job so that we can get to the bottom of what happened and prevent such incidents from recurring,” he said.
As the investigation progresses, the government has pledged to keep the public informed with accurate and timely updates. Gachagua reiterated the need for caution in disseminating information, warning against the spread of rumors and unverified reports that could further distress affected families.
Conclusion
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in school safety protocols and the need for stringent measures to protect students. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching incident, the priority remains on locating the missing children and providing the necessary support to those affected. The road to recovery will be long and painful, but with collective effort and support, the community can begin the healing process.
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