NYERI, Kenya — At least 17 pupils were killed and 13 others seriously injured after a fire broke out Thursday night at a school in central Kenya, local police confirmed Friday.

National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango said that 14 pupils were sent to the hospital with serious burns after their dormitories caught fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary Academy in Nyeri County. One died after being hospitalized.

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"We are investigating the cause of the fire and taking necessary action," Onyango said via phone. "So far we have 17 pupils dead."

Witnesses said that one of the dormitories housing the students was destroyed, sparking fears that the death toll from the horrific fire could rise.

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Rescue teams are on the scene working to manage the situation, said local police.