In a tragic turn of events, a fire has erupted at Isiolo Girls High School in central Kenya, just days after a devastating blaze claimed the lives of 21 boys at a different boarding school in the region.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening around 8 PM local time, as reported by the head teacher Florence Achacha.
Florence Achacha reported that the dormitory nicknamed “Dekha” caught fire, prompting a swift response from the local community and students.
Fire engines from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) arrived at the scene to assist in containing the blaze.
However, the fire had already caused significant damage, burning down all the students’ valuables.
Fortunately, authorities accounted for all 158 students accommodated in the dormitory, confirming that they were safe.
Nevertheless, the incident caused panic among parents, especially in light of the recent tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, where 21 boys lost their lives in a dormitory fire.
As the situation unfolded, angry residents took to the streets, staging a protest in response to the fire outbreak.
The protesters blocked the main road leading to the school. They were stoning motorists and damaging the KDF and KAA fire engines, as well as two police vehicles.
Police were forced to use tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd and restore order. In a statement, Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo expressed his deep sadness over the incident.
He stated that his government was working tirelessly to mobilize emergency responders and establish the cause of the fire.
Investigators are actively looking into the cause of the blaze. Police spokesperson Dr. Resla Onyango has confirmed that they have not reported any casualties so far.
However, investigators have found the charred remains of victims in the dormitory, which now stands as a blackened shell with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed.
In conclusion, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has instructed police to conduct a comprehensive investigation