4 Pupils Dead, 2 Others Injured In Dormitory Fire At Victory Nursery and Primary School, Property Worth Millions Burnt To Ashes

In a heart-wrenching incident, tragedy struck Victory Nursery and Primary School in Busia Town as a devastating fire engulfed a dormitory, claiming the lives of four young pupils. The fire broke out early Monday morning, leaving a community in shock and mourning.

The victims have been identified as James Magero (11 years old, P5), John Richard Oburu (10 years old, P4), Mahmood Ali (P3), and Odero Makokha (P6). Two other pupils are currently hospitalized with severe burns, battling for their lives.

According to Moses Mugwe, the Bukedi South Region Police spokesperson, the fire erupted around 1 am while the pupils were asleep in the dormitory. The quick spread of flames caught the children unaware, leading to a tragic loss of innocent lives.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror as the fire rapidly consumed the dormitory, leaving behind charred remnants of beds, mattresses, and personal belongings. The intensity of the blaze was such that the dormitory’s roof collapsed within minutes, hampering rescue efforts.

Survivor Teusi Mafabi, a P7 pupil, narrated his harrowing experience, stating that the fire originated next to his bed. His quick thinking and alertness helped alert his friends, urging them to flee to safety.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, questions arise about the circumstances leading to the fire outbreak. Concerns over security and the school’s infrastructure have been raised by parents and local officials.

Parent Emmanuel Wandera expressed frustration over reports of insecurity at the school, including alleged nocturnal attacks on the dormitories by strangers. These concerns, he noted, had not been adequately addressed by the school authorities, resulting in this tragic loss of lives.

Busia Municipality Inspector of Schools, Godfrey Barasa, highlighted that the school’s boarding section was operating without a valid license, shedding light on regulatory lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.

In response to the incident, a security meeting chaired by Resident District Commissioner Michael Kibwika ordered the immediate closure of the school for a week. This decision aims to assess safety protocols, address regulatory compliance, and ensure the well-being of all students.

As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, authorities emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety measures in educational institutions to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.