Eight girls arrested on suspicion of arson after Kenya school fire
Summary
At least eight girls were arrested in Kenya on suspicion of setting fire to a girls’ boarding school, a fire that killed 16 students and injured 79. The fire happened early Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy, and investigations are ongoing.Key Facts
- The fire occurred early Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Kenya.
- 16 students died and 79 were injured in the fire.
- Police identified eight girls as suspects and arrested them on suspicion of arson (deliberately setting fire).
- Two teachers were reportedly told about the students’ plans but did not stop the incident.
- The school had safety issues such as overcrowded dorms and a locked emergency exit.
- The Kenyan government dissolved the school’s board and will take legal action against staff who neglected duty.
- Previous school fires in Kenya include a 2024 fire that killed 21 students and a 2001 arson attack with 67 student deaths.
- Injured student Hilda Njeri described being trapped by the fire and escaping through a window due to lack of water to fight the flames.
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