At least 17 students died in a fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, a boarding school in Nyeri County, Kenya.
The fire happened late Thursday night, injuring 14 others. More than 150 students were in the dormitory when the fire started around midnight.
Police fear the number of deaths could go up, as several students were taken to the hospital with severe burns. Resila Onyango, the national police spokesperson, said the bodies were burned beyond recognition. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but an investigation is ongoing.
Local reports say the fire spread quickly because the school was made of timber. One of the dormitories was completely destroyed, killing 16 students instantly.
President William Ruto called the fire "horrific" and ordered an investigation, saying those responsible will be held accountable. The government is working to help the affected families. The Kenya Red Cross is offering emotional support and has set up a help desk at the school.
In recent years, Kenya has seen several school fires, with some caused by arson. In 2017, nine students died in a fire in Nairobi, and in 2001, 58 students were killed in a dormitory fire outside the city.
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