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, September 6, Xinhua reports.

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

"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.

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

The cause of the fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri County is not yet known, and an investigation has been launched.

Kenya's President William Ruto said the news of the fire is "devastating" and ordered an investigation into its cause.

"We pray for speedy recovery to the survivors," Ruto said on social media.

"I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account. The government under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government is mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families."