Guyana Dormitory Fire Kills 19, Mostly Indigenous Girls

By BERT HOOVER First Posted: May 22, 2023 11:11 PM EDT

A devastating incident unfolded overnight at a government boarding school in Guyana, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 19 students' lives, with numerous others sustaining injuries, AP reports.

Authorities are investigating the Guyana dormitory fire, contemplating whether it was intentionally set ablaze. Distressingly, sources revealed on Monday that nearly all the victims, except one, were Indigenous girls.

President Irfaan Ali expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as tragic and painful. He assured the public that his government is diligently employing all available resources to aid in the identification process of the 13 recovered bodies.

According to a government statement, the fire erupted in the dormitory building of a secondary school in Mahdia, a border town located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Georgetown, the capital city. Indigenous communities predominantly inhabit Mahdia, renowned for its gold and diamond mining activities.

Dwayne Scotland, the deputy fire chief overseeing the scene, remarked, "The fire was maliciously set," noting that it originated in the southwestern corner of the building.

While early investigations suggest intentional arson, Police Chief Clifton Hicken emphasized that the evidence strongly supports this conclusion. Additionally, Chief Hicken mentioned that the girls' dormitory had five entrances, but the presence of iron grills trapped the students inside during the tragedy.

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Guyana Dormitory Fire

The Fire Service reported earlier in the day that the building in central Mahdia had been completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at midnight, according to Reuters.

Tragically, fourteen children died at the scene, while another five succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Six children with injuries were urgently transported by air to Georgetown, the capital city, for further medical attention. Moreover, at least 17 other children were conveyed to the local hospital for treatment.

Earlier police statements revealed that a student inside the dorm where the fire originated heard screams and witnessed a fire in the dormitory bathroom area, providing a glimpse into the early moments of the tragedy.

Mark Ramotar, the head of police communications, emphasized on Monday that the majority of the 19 children who tragically perished were of Indigenous descent. "The dormitory typically accommodates students from Indigenous communities," he explained.

The youngest victim in the Guyana dormitory fire was a five-year-old boy, the caretaker's son, while the remaining fatalities were girls, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education. Among the victims, the heartbreaking list includes siblings and a set of twins.

Bad Weather Makes Guyana Dormitory Fire Assistance Efforts Complicated

National Security Adviser Gerald Gouveia, an official source, cited adverse weather conditions and big thunderstorms as significant hindrances that impeded pilots' ability to respond promptly, potentially impacting the efficacy of the assistance efforts.

During an interview with Al Jazeera, Denis Chabrol, a journalist based in Guyana, it was highlighted that inclement weather prevented the evacuation of injured children from the dormitory fire site.

Given that the school served students from remote villages, Chabrol emphasized the potential difficulty in reaching out to the families of those who tragically lost their lives or sustained injuries.

"Emergency responders and government officials will face the challenge of contacting the parents and guardians of the children who perished and were injured." He further noted, "It's going to be a truly challenging time for the officials to effectively communicate with the parents and guardians of those affected by this devastating fire."

Guyana is located between Venezuela and Suriname on the northern coast of South America.