DCI Issues A Clear Update on Hillside Endarasha Tragedy Amid Speculations
DCI Issues A Clear Update on Hillside Endarasha Tragedy Amid Speculations: The DCI has deployed forensic teams and experts from the Homicide Directorate to conduct a thorough inquiry into the tragic fire incident at a boys’ dormitory in Hillside Endarasha Academy on the night of 5th September 2024, which led to the death of 21 children.
The investigators are working closely with the Central Region Disaster Management Committee, fire safety experts, and officials from the County Government of Nyeri, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), State Department for Public Works, Department of Government Chemists, Kenya Power and Lighting Company, National Construction Authority, the Red Cross, and other stakeholders to investigate any acts of omission or commission that may have led to this tragedy. Independent reports from these entities will help in our investigations into the cause of the fire.
According to preliminary investigations, there were 330 students enrolled as boarders in the institution, comprising 166 females and 164 males.
Since the school had only opened for the third term on September 3, 2024, 8 boys had not reported back, leaving 156 boys in the boys’ dormitory on that tragic night.
It has been verified that all 166 girls are safe with their parents. Similarly, 140 boys’ safety with their parents has been verified.
Two of the five boys who were admitted succumbed to their injuries. Nineteen (19) bodies have been recovered from the razed dormitory bringing the total number of deaths to 21.
DNA samples have been collected from the families who lost their loved ones, a process that experts from the government chemist and the DCI forensics team spearheaded.
The goal is to match the bodies, which were badly burnt beyond recognition, to their loved ones. The autopsy for the 21 bodies will be conducted tomorrow, September 12, 2024.
Meanwhile, the investigating team is working round the clock, recording statements from persons of interest, marking significant progress in this inquiry.
The DCI extends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and pledges to conduct expeditious and thorough investigations into this tragedy.
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