A fire at Katoloni Secondary School in Machakos County left thirteen students injured. The blaze, which consumed two dormitories, broke out shortly after 9 PM. The fire’s intensity caused a chaotic stampede among students, who were in classrooms for night studies when the alarm was raised. Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia provided details about the incident and the subsequent emergency response.
According to Lobolia, the fire started while students were engaged in their evening studies. The alarm, which signaled the blaze, triggered a frenzied scramble as students rushed to safety. The stampede resulted in minor injuries, including some students fainting from smoke inhalation. The affected students were quickly transported to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they received medical treatment and were discharged the following day.
The fire, which reportedly started shortly after 9 PM, was contained by around 10:50 PM. The quick response of the fire services and police helped in preventing the situation from worsening. Despite the rapid containment, the students lost personal belongings such as clothes, books, and bedding. The full extent of the loss is still being assessed, but the emotional and material impact on the students is significant.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Police and fire investigation teams have launched a probe to determine the origin of the blaze. As of now, there are no clear leads on what might have sparked the fire. The authorities are working diligently to piece together information and establish a cause.
In the wake of the fire, the situation was further complicated by a surge of public interest. According to Lobolia, members of the public, including some who were intoxicated, attempted to enter the school premises. This created an additional layer of danger as the surging crowds obstructed emergency services and created a chaotic scene.
The police were forced to intervene by securing the school compound to prevent looting or harm to students. To manage the crowd, officers used teargas canisters to disperse the public and clear the area around the school. Lobolia emphasized that the police response was crucial in maintaining order and ensuring that emergency services could operate without obstruction.
“It’s a mixed day and boarding secondary school located a few meters from the Katoloni shopping center. Members of the public, including suspicious characters who were drunk from clubs, attempted to storm the school. We had to deploy teargas canisters to control the situation and protect the students,” Lobolia said. The presence of such individuals posed a risk not only to the property but also to the safety of the students and staff.
The police commander reassured that all students had been accounted for and normalcy had been restored. The situation inside the school has been stabilized, and the focus is now on supporting the students and staff as they recover from the incident. Efforts are underway to assist those affected by the fire, and the community is rallying to provide support.
In addition to the investigation into the fire’s cause, school officials and local authorities are working on measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire at Katoloni Secondary School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
As the community comes to terms with the aftermath of the fire, there is a collective effort to rebuild and support the students who have been impacted. The response from the police and emergency services has been commendable, and their swift action played a crucial role in managing the crisis. The focus now shifts to recovery and ensuring that the students and staff can move forward from this traumatic event.
The investigation is expected to continue, with updates to be provided as more information becomes available. The authorities are committed to uncovering the cause of the fire and taking necessary steps to enhance safety protocols within the school. For now, the community stands united in its support for Katoloni Secondary School and its students during this challenging time.
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