On Monday, the Guyana fire service stated that a dormitory fire killed at least 20 students and injured several others.
An emergency services worker who requested anonymity reported a Sunday dormitory fire for girls aged 11–12 and 16–17.
The fire completely razed the structure.
“Fifteen youths died at the scene, and five died at the Mahdia District Hospital,” according to a statement from the fire department.
Previously, the government stated that 20 persons perished in the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School in central Guyana.
Guyana, South America’s only English-speaking nation, has 800,000 people.
Six children in serious condition were evacuated to Georgetown after the weekend incident.
“Two children remain in critical condition, while four are recovering from severe injuries,” the fire department added.
This is a serious catastrophe. It is dreadful and excruciating, said President Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening.
Ali stated that he had ordered arrangements to be made in Georgetown’s two main hospitals “so that every child in need of care has the best opportunity to receive care.”
Due to heavy rainfall, private and military aircraft have flown to Mahdia, 200 km south of Georgetown.
Five planes have already taken off for Mahdia to support regional health officials with additional medical supplies and medevac,” the government stated. At least one plane carrying three evacuated individuals returned to Georgetown. “A comprehensive medical emergency action plan has been implemented,” it continued.
