Survivors of a fire that killed at least 16 learners at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, have revealed that the dormitory where the inferno started was locked from inside.
They narrated to Nation.Africa that when the fire started, keys to the dormitory could not be traced at first and that it took time to break down the doors to allow escape. In a panic, some of the girls resorted to attemptng escape through the windows.
A parent told journalists that the fire started in the dorm at around midnight. She said that most of the injuries were caused by students jumping from the upper floor because one of the doors was closed.
Suspected arson
Survivors have also pointed towards suspected arson by fellow students. They allege that the fire was started by a group of Form Three Girls who set a mattress on fire at Meline Waithera dormitory.
However, security authorities say detectives are still making enquiries to establish the exact cause of the inferno.
When reached for comment, school Principal Joycelene Muraguri said: “The matter is on the hands of DCI. I have nothing to say.”
Earlier, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced closure of the school. The institution has since been cordoned off.
Emotional parents could be seen at the school premises seeking information regarding their children. CS Ogamba urged parents who had picked their students earlier to confirm the safety of their children to authorities.
“There is a hotline number 1199 to which we’ll be asking the parents to keep reporting especially the ones who left with their kids when they came earlier. That hotline number will also be available for counselling.”
Earlier, police combed the neighbourhood around the school in search of students believed to have managed to leave the school compound after the fire broke out.
