The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an update on the ongoing investigations into the fire tragedy that struck Hillside Endarasha Academy. The preliminary report sheds more light on the events surrounding the devastating incident, which has claimed 21 lives so far.
At the time of the tragedy, the institution had 330 enrolled boarders—166 females and 164 males. The third term had only begun on September 3, 2024, and not all students had reported back. Notably, 8 boys had not yet returned, leaving 156 boys in the dormitory on the night of the fire.
According to the latest reports, all 166 girls have been confirmed safe and have been reunited with their families. Additionally, authorities have verified the safety of 140 boys. However, two of the five boys who were hospitalized have tragically succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 21. Nineteen bodies were recovered from the razed boys’ dormitory.
As the investigation continues, DNA samples have been collected from the families of the deceased to aid in the identification of the bodies, which were burned beyond recognition. This process is being overseen by experts from the government chemist and the DCI’s forensic team. The autopsies on the 21 victims are scheduled for tomorrow, September 12, 2024.
Authorities are urging patience as they work to complete the identification process and determine the cause of the fire that has left a community in mourning. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and calls for heightened safety measures in boarding schools across the country.
