Authorities in Guyana, South America have confirmed that at least 19 students were killed in an inferno in a dormitory of a secondary school.
After the fire that occurred in Mahdia, a town on the border with Sudan’s southwest, the government of the country said other students were treated for their injuries.
Six others were also flown to Georgetown, the capital of Guyana for treatment.
Gerald Gouveia, national security advisor, said that the fire started shortly after midnight local at the school (or 5am UK time), which serves a majority of indigenous children aged between 12 and 18.
The local newspaper Stabroek News stated that the fire started in a dormitory for girls.
Mr Gouveia said it was still too early to speculate on the cause of the fire. He added that the heavy thunderstorms in this area made it difficult for those who responded by air.
He said, “It was for us a battle.” “The pilots were brave and determined.”
He said that emergency responders and the government “made an enormous effort” to rescue as many people possible.
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Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, said: “This incident is horrific.” It’s tragic. It’s painful.”
He said that his government is mobilizing all its resources to take care of the children.
Mr Ali stated that officials are contacting parents, and psychologists can help those who have been affected by the fire.
He said, “I can’t imagine the pain of the parents right now.” “This is an absolute disaster.”
Natasha Singh Lewis, a member of the opposition parliament, called for a thorough investigation.
She said: “We must understand the circumstances of this horrific and fatal incident and take all measures necessary to prevent it from happening in future.”
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