A fire broke out at a school in Gilgil, Kenya, killing 16 students and injuring 74. According to the Kenya Red Cross and police, the fire broke out early Thursday morning while students were sleeping in the hostel of Utumishi Girls School.

Police said rescue and search operations were going on. The Kenya Red Cross said emergency teams were at the scene providing relief and assistance. 

Fires in schools in Kenya are very common due to overcrowding and poor safety being a main cause where several incidents have been reported in recent years. 

Police Commander Masud Muini said the fire started at around 1:00 am (local time, Wednesday 10) and spread to a dormitory block housing about 220 students. The school has been cordoned off and only parents are allowed inside the premises.

Wambui Nderitu, a relative of one of the victims, said the situation was chaotic and scary when she arrived at the scene. She said some students were injured when they jumped out of windows while trying to escape from the floors of the hostel.