Bukhalalire High Closed Indefinitely After Dorm Fire Injures Six Students
Bukhalalire High School in Busia County has been shut down indefinitely after a fire engulfed one of its dormitories, leaving at least six students with severe burn injuries.
Butula Sub-County Director of Education John Kemei announced the closure on Monday, May 12, explaining that the decision followed a comprehensive meeting with the school’s Board of Management. The move aims to facilitate thorough investigations into the cause of the incident.
Kemei expressed appreciation for the swift response by local residents, who intervened early enough to prevent the fire from spreading to other school buildings.
He acknowledged the efforts of individuals who arrived around 1 am, including a former Member of County Assembly, noting their significant role in assisting students during the emergency.
The education official informed the students that the school environment was no longer suitable for learning under the current circumstances. He advised them to return home temporarily for rest and recovery while the necessary inquiries are conducted to establish the cause of the fire.
Eyewitness Accounts and Medical Response
According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted on Sunday night at around 11 pm while students were asleep. The affected dormitory, which accommodated nearly 200 learners, was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Four critically injured students were initially taken to Khunyangu District Hospital but were later referred to Busia County Referral Hospital for advanced care.
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This incident at Bukhalalire comes just three days after a similar fire destroyed a dormitory at Igikiro Boys High School in Makuyu, Murang’a County, on Saturday, May 10. That event led to the displacement of several students and the destruction of property of unknown value.
Authorities in Murang’a quickly apprehended a primary suspect believed to be behind the Igikiro fire. Preliminary findings indicated that at least three students might have been involved in the act of arson. Despite the extent of the damage, no injuries were reported in that case.
Bukhalalire High Closed Indefinitely After Dorm Fire Injures Six Students
