Fresh details have emerged following the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, with police now confirming that several students fled outside the school compound in panic during the chaotic overnight incident.
The latest development has intensified anxiety among parents as authorities continue efforts to account for every learner following the tragic blaze that struck the school in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to police, fear and confusion triggered by the fire caused some students to run into surrounding areas after escaping from the burning dormitory.
Speaking at the institution, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mousad Mwinyi said security officers had launched a large-scale search operation around the school and neighbouring areas.
“As we speak now, we are combing the area. Out of fear and anxiety, many students moved out, and this happened at night. Our team of nearly fifty officers is searching the surrounding areas to establish who may still be out there,” Mwinyi stated.
Authorities say efforts are underway to trace all students who may have fled and safely return them to the institution as school officials continue conducting roll calls to establish whether any learners remain unaccounted for.
The fire, which reportedly broke out at around 3.30am, sparked widespread panic within the school compound, forcing emergency responders into a frantic overnight rescue operation.
Kenya Red Cross Society teams remain deployed at the school alongside firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel assisting in rescue efforts and supporting affected students.
Despite widespread reports circulating online, authorities have so far declined to officially confirm casualty figures, urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations and student tracing operations continue.
The uncertainty has left parents in anguish, with many streaming to the school since dawn seeking information about the safety and whereabouts of their children.
Officials at the institution have since organised parents into designated waiting areas according to students’ classes and streams to assist in the identification and verification process.
The incident has once again cast a spotlight on safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, particularly emergency preparedness and the handling of disasters occurring during night hours when students are asleep.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.