A parent has reportedly been killed in a road accident while responding to a fire scare at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where 16 students have died following a dormitory fire that broke out at midnight.
According to reports, the accident occurred near the Kariandusi in Gilgil between a trailer and a prado, where Faith Irine’s parents, a Form 4 student at the school, were traveling to check on their child’s safety.
The impact of the crash was severe, leaving Gladys Cheney dead on the spot, and the husband was rushed for treatment after sustaining injuries.
The incident has added another layer of tragedy to an already tense situation, as families continue to grapple with uncertainty surrounding the reported fire scare at the school.
According to preliminary reports, the inferno broke out at the school’s girls’ dormitory in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, leaving 6 students dead and 79 injured. Students were unable to access the emergency door after it was allegedly locked
The Kenya Red Cross said the fire was reported at around 3:30 am, prompting an emergency response involving first responders, EMS Kenya ambulance crews, and psychosocial support personnel.
Also Read: 7 Students Airlifted to Nairobi After Utumishi Girls Dorm Fire
President Ruto Mourns Utumishi Girls Fire Victims
President William Ruto has expressed condolences to families affected by the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where several students have died.
In a statement on May 28, he stated that the government is focusing on rescue efforts, treatment of the injured, and support for affected families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future. As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire,” he mourned.
Utumishi Girls Closure and Government Response
Following the incident, the government ordered the temporary closure of Utumishi Girls Academy to allow for investigations into the cause of the fire.
Also Read: Govt Deploys Counseling Specialists for Survivors and Bereaved Families After Utumishi Incident
Seven students injured were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment, while 61 others were treated and discharged.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the formation of a multi-agency team to handle the crisis and oversee investigations.
“As a government, we have formed a multi-agency team that is going to handle this crisis. We will be releasing you today for a few days as we work through this crisis, and we will be ensuring that by the time you are getting back, everything has been put in place to ensure you can continue with your studies,” he added.
The State Department for Children Services has also announced the deployment of counseling specialists to support survivors, bereaved families, teachers, and first responders.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, while response and support efforts continue.
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