At least 19 boys died in a fire in a student residence at Mahdia High School, 161 kilometers southwest of Georgetown, the capital of Guyanaas reported by that country’s government on Monday.
“This is horrendous. We still don’t know exactly what caused the fire, although it’s not a priority at the moment. Our priority now is the children and providing them with as much help as possible.” he said Guyanese President Irfaan Ali it’s a statement.
Ali said the operations are organized so that the two largest hospitals in the capital welcome the wounded in need of treatment.
For its part, Guyana’s Department of Public Information said in a statement: “We have lost so many beautiful souls in that fire The death toll is currently 20, while other people were injured.” However, firefighters later confirmed that there were 19.
National Security Advisor Gerald Gouveia said the figure was revised after doctors revived a patient who was in such serious condition that “everyone thought he was dead”.
“When firefighters arrived at the scene, the building was already completely engulfed in flames,” the Guyana Fire Service said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those young souls.”
“Firefighters managed to save about 20 students by drilling holes in the northeast wall of the building,” according to firefighters. “Our team is continuing to investigate the scene to clarify how the fire started and other necessary information.”
“Fourteen young people died instantly, while five died at the Mahdia district hospital.. Two children remain in critical condition, while four sustain serious injuries,” firefighters said in a statement.
According to authorities, the fire broke out after 11pm on Sunday (midnight in Argentina) in the school, which mainly educates indigenous children aged between 12 and 18, Gouveia added. The official added that it was “too early to speculate on the cause of the crash” and added that storms in the area prevented aerial response.
“It’s been a battle for us,” he said. “The pilots were very brave, they were very determined.” He added that the government and rescue teams “have made a gigantic effort” to save as many people as possible.
Similarly, a medical area was established at Eugene F. Correia “Ogle” International Airport to treat some of the more seriously injured.
Local newspaper Stabroek News said the fire occurred in a women’s dormitory.
“Every effort has been made to have a large-scale reinforcement and medical response to the evacuation,” President Ali later added. “This is a horrific accident. It’s tragic, it’s painful. I can’t imagine the pain the parents are going through now,” he said. “This is a major disaster.”
Several private planes and naval vessels were also sent to Mahdia.
Meanwhile, the opposition alliance Association for National Unity + Alliance for Change (UNPA + AFC) has called for an investigation into the cause of the fire and for it to be made public.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.