Kenya Red Cross swiftly responded to a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where there are concerns for several students.
The fire reportedly ignited around 1 a.m. and was reported by 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross shared: “We are actively supporting the emergency response following the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy.”
They continued, “Our first responders, including the @EMS_Kenya ambulance crew and psychosocial support personnel, are on-site assisting affected students alongside other responders and authorities.”
Emergency teams are currently assessing the situation and providing support to those impacted, while investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that teams are working to account for at least ten missing students.
“Our teams are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all students as part of the investigation. We have casualties, and we prioritize informing their families,” he stated.
As news of the tragedy spread across Gilgil and neighboring areas, parents gathered at the school gates, with police managing access to the compound while investigations and rescue efforts continued.
Injured students received care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for assessment and treatment.
