GUYANA — In a heart-wrenching incident, a fire tore through a dormitory at a boarding school in Guyana during the early hours of Monday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 20 students and leaving several others injured. The school primarily catered to children from remote indigenous villages, emphasizing the depth of this profound loss.
President Irfaan Ali expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the devastating event, labelling it a horrific and painful incident. Assuring the public, he emphasized that his government was mobilizing all available resources to provide care and support to the affected children and their families.
According to a government statement, the fire erupted shortly after midnight in the dormitory building of a secondary school situated in Mahdia, a border town in the southwestern region. Mahdia, known for its gold and diamond mining, is located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometres) south of the capital city, Georgetown.
Tragically, at least 20 students lost their lives in the fire, while several others sustained injuries, six of whom were transferred to Georgetown for urgent medical treatment, as reported by the government.
The boarding school primarily served indigenous children between the ages of 12 and 18, as confirmed by National Security Adviser Gerald Gouveia. Gouveia mentioned that it was still too early to determine the cause of the fire, especially considering the challenging circumstances posed by heavy thunderstorms in the region, complicating the response efforts of air support.
He commended the bravery and determination displayed by the pilots and underscored the immense collaborative effort made by the government and emergency responders to save as many lives as possible during the intense battle against the flames.
President Ali revealed that officials were actively reaching out to parents and coordinating the deployment of psychologists to provide the necessary support to those affected by the tragedy. Recognizing the unimaginable pain experienced by the parents, he described the incident as a major disaster with far-reaching consequences.
Local newspaper Stabroek News reported that the fire originated in the girls' dormitory, shedding light on the initial findings of the ongoing investigation.
Opposition lawmaker Natasha Singh-Lewis expressed the urgent need for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. She emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes behind this horrific and deadly event, ensuring that all necessary measures are implemented to prevent any future tragedies of this magnitude.
As the nation mourns the loss of these young lives, Guyana stands united in grief, seeking solace and strength during this trying time.
input from / Guyana's Department of Public Information
