Yasmin Bilal
A quiet night at a boarding school in Kenya turned into a devastating tragedy after a fire tore through a dormitory, killing at least 16 schoolgirls and leaving dozens more injured.
The blaze broke out while students were asleep and spread rapidly through the sleeping quarters, trapping many inside as panic spread across the facility. Emergency services were alerted and responded to the scene, where firefighters worked to contain the flames and carry out rescue operations.
Survivors were evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. More than 70 learners were admitted, with several remaining in a serious condition, while others are recovering from injuries sustained during the incident.
Investigations are underway to establish the cause of the fire. The circumstances remain unclear, with forensic teams examining the scene to determine how the blaze started and why it spread so quickly through the dormitory.
Law enforcement officials are also involved in the inquiry, with several individuals being questioned as part of ongoing investigations. No findings have been confirmed at this stage.
The school has been closed temporarily as recovery efforts continue and families are informed. Support services, including counselling, are expected to be made available to affected students and staff.
Education officials are monitoring the situation closely as attention turns to safety standards in boarding schools across the country.