Guyana Dormitory Fire Update: Death Toll Rises to 20; Teen Arson Suspect Faces Murder Charges

Tragedy struck the South American nation of Guyana as the death toll from a devastating fire at a dormitory rose to 20 with the loss of a 14-year-old girl's life, per Al Jazeera.

The teenager succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in the capital city of Georgetown at approximately 10 am local time, according to an update provided on Tuesday by Guyana's Department of Public Information (DPI), Sherana Daniels.

Daniels had been transported to Georgetown for intensive care following the fatal blaze that engulfed a boarding school in Mahdia on the evening of May 21.

Despite receiving immediate medical attention, her condition remained critical until her unfortunate passing, as stated in the update released on Monday, May 22.

The Minister of Health (MOH) expressed gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other staff members, who tirelessly provided care with the hope of a miracle.

Before Daniels's tragic demise, the fire had already claimed the lives of 18 female students, primarily Indigenous and a 5-year-old boy.

Guyana Student Suspected for Dormitory Fire Faces Murder Charges

The 15-year-old Guyana student, who allegedly started the fatal fire at the dormitory, faced a severe legal development on Monday as state prosecutors charged her with 19 counts of murder, AP reports.

The court proceedings determined that the state and defense attorneys would have until July 5 to assess their readiness for a preliminary hearing. In the interim, the court remanded the accused to juvenile custody, with no plea required.

In a separate update provided by the ministry, there was some positive news regarding another child who had sustained severe injuries in the fire.

The ministry reported that the child's condition had shown improvement following specialized treatment at the Northwell Burn Center, located at the University Hospital on Staten Island, New York.

The tragic Guyana dormitory fire has claimed more lives than the 2016 fire that resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates at the central jail in Georgetown.

Reports indicate that the inmates set fire to mattresses as a form of protest against overcrowding and trial delays, as stated by the police. Numerous individuals suffered severe injuries in that incident as well.

The Guyana Dormitory Fire

A tragic incident unfolded in Mahdia, a central town in Guyana, as a massive fire tore through a substantial wooden structure that served as a residence for 57 students. The devastating blaze, believed to have originated in a restroom, quickly engulfed the building, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of life.

Survivors who escaped the flames shared harrowing accounts of the nightmarish ordeal, recounting the haunting cries for help that pierced through the darkness.

It was reported that the dormitory's administrator, who experienced the profound loss of her five-year-old son in the fire, became overwhelmed amidst the chaos and misplaced the keys to the building.

Firefighters faced formidable challenges as they endeavored to rescue trapped residents. In their race against time, they resorted to breaking down walls in desperate attempts to reach those trapped inside.

However, adverse weather conditions may have hampered initial progress in containing the raging inferno.

The devastating incident claimed numerous lives and injured several individuals, predominantly affecting indigenous girls.

Efforts were made to transport the injured to hospitals throughout the country, including those in the capital city of Georgetown, where some victims remain in critical condition.

The magnitude of the Guyana dormitory fire's destruction was so immense that local media sources reported the necessity of DNA testing to confirm the identities of specific victims, highlighting the profound impact and devastation inflicted by this tragic event.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: At least 19 children killed in Guyana school dormitory fire - From Al Jazeera English