17 dead and 70 missing after A fire has engulfed a primary school dormitory in central Kenya, officials said, NOVA reported.
The fire broke out around midnight, consuming rooms where more than 150 boys slept. President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning for what he called an "unspeakable tragedy". He said 17 children between the ages of 9 and 13 lost their lives, promising to find out how the disaster happened and hold those responsible accountable.
Vice President Rigati Gachagua told reporters at the scene of the disaster that 70 youths were still missing and 27 were in hospital. He described the scene as "bloody" and said diligent investigative work using DNA will be needed to help identify the victims. He also called on the relatives and members of the community to help in the search for the missing. “The bodies found at the scene were burnt beyond recognition,” national police spokesperson Resila Onyango told AFP.
Tensions were building among the families gathered at the school, anxiously awaiting news. Many broke down in anguished sobs and tears after officials took them to see the charred bodies in the destroyed dormitory. “Please look for my child. It can't be dead. I want my child”, cried a woman in anguish as she left the school.