At least 16 students have reportedly d!ed after a massive fire swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, in a tragedy that has shocked the country.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out around 1 a.m. and was officially reported at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Dozens of students were reportedly injured and rushed to hospitals after the early morning blaze engulfed the crowded dormitory, which was said to house more than 200 learners.

Emergency responders were deployed to the school following the incident, with initial reports indicating that at least 15 students were feared d3ad before police later estimated the d3ath toll at about 16.

Authorities also stated that an unspecified number of injured students were taken to various medical facilities for treatment and were believed to be in stable condition.