All Hillside Endarasha Academy children have been accounted for, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said.
In a statement on Monday, September 9, 2024, Mwaura said that 21 learners in the school had succumbed following a dormitory inferno. Mwaura says 19 students died instantly while two died while receiving treatment.
According to Mwaura, Hillside Endarasha Academy had 330 learners in the boarding facility, 166 girls and 164 boys.
“The tragic loss of 21 children in the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy’s boys’ dormitory is a catastrophe beyond imagination. Two of the boys died while receiving treatment in the hospital, and the bodies of 19 others were recovered from the charred dormitory. Out of the 330 pupils in the school’s boarding facility – 166 girls and 164 boys – all the girls have returned home safely to their parents, and all the boys have been accounted for,” Mwaura stated.
Identification of Endarasha learners
Mwaura says the parents of the 19 deceased boys have not yet identified their children. Autopsies and further procedures will be carried out at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital to assist with identification of the Endarasha learners.
“During this process, the families will also receive mental health and psychosocial support. The Government offers its deepest condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones. To the children receiving medical care for their injuries, and to those who witnessed the tragedy and now carry emotional scars, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and wish them a full and speedy recovery,” he added.
“We express our gratitude to everyone who has stepped forward to support the affected children during this difficult situation, including the school community and surrounding neighbours.”
Mwaura says the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with the government pathologist are conducting investigations and scientific analysis for Endarasha learners.
“Health professionals have been on-site providing specialized care and assistance. Their efforts are centred on ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical care. The Ministry has dispatched four mass casualty kits to the County, with the capacity to serve up to 200 individuals,” he added.
“The Ministry’s forensic team is collaborating closely with all agencies involved in the identification of the bodies of the children who tragically lost their lives in the fire.”
He says the World Health Organization has supported the County with additional kits to accelerate response and alleviate the suffering of the victims of the Endarasha calamity.
“The 63 counsellors have been working round the clock providing counselling services and psychosocial support. Other agencies that have stepped in to offer support include Amani Counselling Centre, Child Welfare Society and AMREF Centre,” he added.
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the clergy held an interdenominational service outside Endarasha Academy in honour of the young children who lost their lives in the tragedy and urged parents who took their children home to bring them to centres for psychological support.
Other incidences
Another fire was reported at Isiolo Girls High School on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:00 pm during an entertainment session. Mwaura said no deaths were reported.
“Three students sustained minor injuries during the stampede but are now in stable condition after receiving medical care. A team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and investigate the cause of the fire,” he added.
Another fire was reported at Bukhalarire Secondary in Busia County in one of the dormitories that was housing 162 students. No casualty has been reported.
“The Sub-County Security team, led by the Senior Deputy County Commissioner (DC), visited the school and addressed both the students and staff. The team confirmed that the fire was successfully contained. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced an investigation into the cause of the fire,” Mwaura added.