May 22, 2023
Updated 52 minutes ago
Image source: Presidency of Guyana
At least 19 children have died in a fire in the mining town of Mahdia in central Guyana, officials said.
The fire broke out just after midnight Monday, devastating a secondary school dormitory and trapping students.
According to the government, emergency services are struggling to contain the fire due to bad weather conditions.
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been deliberate, police said – but no suspects have yet been identified.
Earlier reports said the death toll was slightly higher, with at least 20 fatalities.
Several other people were injured and some are being prepared for evacuation to the capital, Georgetown, where a special center has been set up.
“It’s a big catastrophe. It’s terrible, it’s painful,” said Guyanese President Irfaan Ali.
Mr Ali was quoted by AFP as saying that in addition to the medical teams based at the airport, Georgetown’s two major hospitals would also be prepared to “give every single child who needs attention the best possible opportunity to receive that attention”.
Home Secretary Robeson Benn is at the scene of the disaster and the Prime Minister and other government officials are on their way there.
“It is with a heavy heart and pain that the Cabinet is informed and updated of a terrible fire at the Mahdia dormitory. Every effort will be made to provide full medical evacuation support,” the government’s Ministry of Public Information said in a statement.
Guyana is located between Venezuela and Suriname on the north coast of South America.