A fire broke out at Katoloni Secondary School in Machakos County on Saturday, September 14, 2024, leaving about 20 students injured. According to Machakos County Police Commander, Patrick Lobolia, most of the injuries resulted from a stampede as students hurried to escape the flames.
The fire, which ravaged two dormitories, was brought under control around 10:50 p.m. All the students were in their classrooms for evening prep when the fire erupted. Those injured were quickly rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries, primarily from the stampede. Some students fainted due to smoke inhalation.
Commander Lobolia confirmed that all 20 students received treatment and were discharged shortly afterward. He added, “The students sustained minor injuries due to the stampede, while others fainted after inhaling smoke.”
In addition to the injuries, the fire caused significant damage, with students losing personal belongings such as clothing, books, and bedding. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Lobolia reassured the public that all students had been accounted for and that normalcy had returned to the school. However, the incident drew the attention of a large crowd, including some individuals suspected of being intoxicated from nearby clubs. As a precaution, police intervened to secure the school and prevent looting.
To manage the crowd, which had blocked access to the school and hampered emergency services, the police were forced to use teargas to disperse the people. Lobolia emphasized that these actions were necessary to safeguard the school and ensure the safety of both students and staff during the chaotic situation.
