Agony for parents as body identification process for Hillside Academy fire victims begins

The identification process for victims of the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy is set to commence today, Monday, September 9, 2024.

The fire, which broke out last Friday, has so far claimed the lives of 21 students, with some bodies burnt beyond recognition

Officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), together with forensic experts, will begin the delicate process at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital. Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu confirmed that the process will involve collaboration with the victims' families.

"Many more students are missing but that process will start tomorrow at Naromoru. It's going to be a long process and we hope to have it concluded soon," Murugu said.

In response to the tragedy, the government has pledged to cover the medical expenses for injured students and will take charge of funeral arrangements for the deceased.

Murugu said together with the Ministry of Education they will convene a meeting to have the school re-opened as quickly as possible, as there are national exams this term.

"Even though boarding will be delayed, day school will continue as we make plans for the boarding part," he said.

Cause of fire

Although the main cause of the fire is yet to be known, preliminary investigations have established that the fire might have been caused by an exploded bulb.

One of the surviving students revealed to their parent that the sparks from the exploded bulb landed on a mattress and started the fire that spread fast.

The dormitory was housing Grade 5 to Grade 8 pupils.

The pupils said despite their efforts to douse the flames with water, they were unable to contain the fire and began waking their dormmates. Sadly, some were trapped and perished in the blaze.

The section where the fire started had 48 pupils sleeping in 24 double-decker beds, 12 beds lined up on the right side and 12 on the left.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura reported that 19 bodies were retrieved from the scene, while two other students succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Out of the 156 boys housed in the dorm, 135 have been accounted for, either at home or receiving treatment.

Parents of the missing students remain hopeful as the identification process begins.

On Sunday, a memorial service was held, attended by local leaders and residents, in memory of the victims and to offer support to grieving families.

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria urged parents who had taken their children home to report to authorities to help account for all students.

"Even if you have your children at home, you should report and let the investigating agencies know they are safe. After such a traumatic incident, the children also need counseling," the Archbishop said.