At least 17 pupils killed after school caught fire in Kenya as cops fear death toll will rise with 13 seriously injured

AT LEAST 17 students have died after a horror fire broke out at a primary school in Kenya overnight.

Officials fear the death toll could rise as at least 13 other people have been rushed to hospital with severe burns.

Stock image of firefighters fighting a blaze

Police have launched an investigation into what sparked the blaze at the Hillside Endarasha Primary school in Nyeri county.

Fires are reportedly common at boarding schools in Kenya where many pupils live so they can study without long commutes.

In 2017, some 10 students died during a fire at their school in Nairobi.

Police spokesperson Resila Onyango said: “We are investigating the cause and will take necessary action.

“There are 17 fatalities from this incident and there are also others who were taken to hospital with serious injuries.”

According to some reports, as many as 16 of the students were seriously injured and are recieving medical treatment in hospital.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.