Tragic Mahdia Blaze Claims Lives of 19 Children in Guyana School Fire

In the early hours of Monday morning, a devastating fire erupted at a secondary school dormitory in

Mahdia, Guyana, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 19 young lives. The fire quickly engulfed the dormitory, trapping students inside and posing immense challenges for emergency services, exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions.

 

Authorities suspect that the fire may have been started intentionally, although no suspects have been identified thus far, according to preliminary investigations by the police. Earlier reports indicated a slightly higher death toll, with at least 20 lives lost.

 

Aside from the lives lost, several individuals sustained injuries, and preparations are underway for their evacuation to Georgetown, the capital, where a specialized center has been established to provide medical assistance. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali expressed profound grief and referred to the incident as a major disaster, emphasizing the pain it has inflicted on the nation.

 

President Ali emphasized the mobilization of medical teams at the airport and the preparedness of Georgetown's major hospitals to ensure that every child in need of medical attention receives the best possible care. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn is currently present at the scene, while the Prime Minister and other government officials are en route to Mahdia.

 

The Cabinet, deeply saddened by the incident, is receiving regular updates on the situation. The government's Department of Public Information stated that extensive efforts are underway to facilitate a comprehensive medical evacuation and response to support the affected individuals.

 

Guyana, situated along the northern coast of South America between Venezuela and Suriname, now mourns this tragic event that has left the nation in shock and sorrow.