Hillside Endarasha Academy: Just what caused the dormitory fire?
As questions continue to linger over the cause of the fire at
Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Citizen TV has obtained information
that the deadly fire, which led to the death of 21 pupils, could have been a
result of an electrical fault.
In an interview with one of the parents whose son survived the
tragedy and who requested anonymity, it all started near the main entrance
where pupils from Grades 5 to 8 are accommodated.
The parent spoke about how sparks from a bulb near the main
door of the dormitory could have caused the fire.
"Alituambia kulikuwa na kijana alikuwa analala karibu na
mlango na bulb yake ililipuka na kutupa moto kwa mattress, alikimbia kuita
matron na hapo ndio moto ilishika,” said the paremt.
Reports indicate that the matron and a security guard who
rushed to the scene alerted teachers who live within the school compound, who
helped to evacuate the pupils as the fire consumed the dormitory.
According to her, the fire started at the first bed next to
the main entrance, occupied by a Grade 5 pupil who survived.
In the said area, there are 24 double-decker beds, six on the
left side and six on the right side. Forty-eight pupils were sleeping in the
area when the fire broke out.
Grade 8 pupils are at the furthest end of the dorm, and to
access it, one goes through a small opening from the area where there are 24
double-decker beds.
The dormitory has three doors: the main door, another door
near the main entrance, and the door behind the section where Grade 8 learners
sleep.
"Tunaweza taka wasiweke wanafunzi wengi pamoja, bweni
ziwe kadhaa,” said the parent.
Reports indicate that the lights are always on throughout the
night. But what is also believed to have contributed to the fire spreading fast
is the fact that the beds, some made of wood, were closer to each other.
The dormitory also had cardboard separating the sleeping
areas.
"Wanafunzi wako na uoga sana na pia sisi tuko na uoga,”
added the parent.
The revelations came even as the government said it had not
conclusively identified the cause of the deadly fire.
The families of the victims remain hopeful that the probe
being conducted by DCI detectives will unravel more.
Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a Comment