Nyeri County, Sep 06 (V7N) – A deadly fire swept through a dormitory at Endarasha Boarding School in central Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 17 students and leaving 13 others seriously injured. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered from the scene.

The fire broke out late on Thursday night, engulfing the dormitory that housed many of the school’s young students. Endarasha Boarding School in Nyeri County is home to about 800 children, aged between five and twelve.

Kenyan police spokesperson Resila Onyango expressed the difficulty in identifying the victims due to the severity of the burns. "There is no way to immediately identify the bodies recovered from the scene," she told local media outlet Hot96 FM. 

Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported that most of the victims were young children. Kenyan Red Cross has confirmed that the injured were quickly taken to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital for treatment.

Kenyan President William Ruto called the incident "devastating" and vowed action against those responsible. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ruto stated, "I direct the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough investigation into this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held accountable."

An investigation committee has already been established to assess the full extent of the damage and loss of life.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout Kenya, with parents and families anxiously awaiting further news. Authorities are working around the clock to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future.