[PHOTOS] Tears, Emotions Engulf Hillside School As Parents Mourn Painful Tragedy

[PHOTOS] Tears, Emotions Engulf Hillside School As Parents Mourn Painful Tragedy

Parents and guardians at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri were overcome with emotion as they viewed what remained of their children’s dormitory.

A mysterious fire blazed through the 156-bed hostel around 11 p.m. Thursday, as boys at the mixed boarding private primary school slept.

As of Friday morning, 17 boys had been confirmed dead. Parents sobbed uncontrollably as they arrived at school to check on their children.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachua visited the school and reported that 86 boys had been accounted for by Friday evening, including 27 who were admitted to the hospital.

It has been quite a devastating day for the families of the pupils who lost their lives in the tragic fire and those injured at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County. pic.twitter.com/SqK2LomlsS

— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) September 6, 2024

He stated that 70 students are “not yet accounted for” and urged parents who had picked up their children, as well as neighbours who assisted those who fled, to contact the authorities.

President William Ruto directed authorities to investigate the “horrific incident” and hold those responsible accountable.

Parents at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri were overcome with emotion as they viewed what remained of their children's dormitory.

A mysterious fire blazed through the 156-bed hostel around 11 p.m. Thursday, as boys at the mixed boarding private primary school slept.#RIP pic.twitter.com/At0iR2Tq0n

— AfricasNow (@AfricasNow24) September 6, 2024

During his visit to the school, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki reiterated that government agencies are being deployed to assist the affected families.

“The government assures full accountability for all whose action or inaction contributed to this tremendous loss,” he said.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions urged the police to expedite investigations, stating that it is critical to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

[PHOTOS] Tears, Emotions Engulf Hillside School As Parents Mourn Painful Tragedy