“Guyana school fire kills at least 20 children,” reports that the fire broke out in the early hours of May 22 at the Mahdia Secondary School in the central city of Mahdia. The fire quickly spread through the dormitory, which housed 56 children, and many of the students were trapped inside. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was out of control and several children had already died. The death toll eventually rose to 20, including 18 girls and 2 boys. The youngest victim was a 5-year-old boy.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but police believe it may have been arson. A police spokesperson said that one student was awakened by screams and witnessed fire in the dormitory bathroom. The fire is believed to have started in the bathroom and then spread quickly through the rest of the building.
The fire has caused a great deal of shock and grief in Guyana. President Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning and has ordered an investigation into the fire. The government has also promised to provide financial assistance to the families of the victims.
The fire is a reminder of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety. It is important to have a fire escape plan in place and to make sure that all fire alarms are working properly. It is also important to keep fire hazards out of the home, such as candles, cigarettes, and flammable liquids.
