Nairobi, Kenya – September 7, 2024 (AFP): In a distressing turn of events, firefighters are currently battling a significant blaze at Isiolo Girls High School in central Kenya, marking the second school fire incident within just a few days. This rapidly unfolding situation follows closely on the heels of a tragic inferno at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which claimed the lives of 21 boys.
The blaze at Isiolo Girls High School has engulfed between two to three buildings, according to Hussein Salesa, the communications director for Isiolo County. Speaking to AFP, Salesa noted the presence of injuries among the students, although the exact number remains unconfirmed at this time.
“This is an ongoing situation, and while we have reports of injuries, we are still gathering detailed information regarding their extent,” Salesa said.
The location of Isiolo Girls High School, approximately 140 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of Hillside Endarasha Academy, underscores the geographical spread of these calamities. The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy occurred just two days prior when a dormitory caught fire during the night, trapping and killing 21 sleeping boys.
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed its involvement in responding to both incidents. “Response teams activated,” the organization mentioned in a statement without providing additional specifics.
Both incidents have sent shockwaves through the nation, with authorities under pressure to implement enhanced safety protocols in schools to prevent recurrence. The collective grief and urgency for effective response measures highlights the critical need for immediate and long-term interventions in school safety standards.
As the community and authorities rally to support the affected students and their families, the sequence of these harrowing incidents raises crucial questions about fire safety preparedness and emergency response mechanisms in educational institutions across Kenya.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
