In a devastating incident, a fire at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, central Kenya, has claimed the lives of 17 students, according to police spokeswoman Resila Onyango. The tragedy struck on Friday, with reports suggesting that the victims were burned beyond recognition.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but investigations are already underway. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and more rescuers have been dispatched to the school to assist with recovery efforts. While no official cause has been confirmed, the priority remains the identification of victims and offering support to grieving families.

In a statement to Reuters, Onyango confirmed that an additional 14 students were injured in the blaze and are receiving treatment. “Our team is at the scene at the moment,” she stated, as rescue operations continue to unfold.

The tragic event has brought back painful memories of similar school fires in Kenya’s history, including the infamous 2017 school fire in Nairobi, which took the lives of nine students. As communities across Kenya mourn the loss, questions are once again being raised about the safety measures and fire protocols in the country’s educational institutions.

Kenyan authorities have pledged to provide further updates on the situation as investigations progress. In the meantime, the nation mourns another heartbreaking loss of young lives.

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