A deadly blaze swept through a boarding school in Guyana, claiming the lives of 19 young students. Investigators say the fire began when a student’s confiscated mobile phone was somehow used to ignite a blaze, a detail that has been emphasized by officials as part of the ongoing inquiry. The report comes from a news agency citing sources within the Guyana government and a major international wire service, and it highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident as a possible act of arson linked to a mobile device found in a student’s possession preceding the fire.
Access to a cellphone by a pupil has been described as a turning point in the investigation, with officials indicating that the fire may have been intentional. The police report reportedly frames the incident as arson, pointing to the prior confiscation of the phone by a fellow student as a contextual factor. An unnamed official has suggested that the teenage girl involved has admitted to taking part in the act, and she is currently receiving treatment in a hospital while under police guardianship, a precautionary measure tied to the investigation.
Earlier updates described firefighters examining another fire at a separate school in the same country, located in the city of Madiya, where a one story wooden building was completely destroyed. Authorities indicated that the incident appeared to be deliberate, with investigators leaning toward a deliberate arson motive while the broader inquiry continues to unfold.
In the wake of the catastrophe, Guyana’s leadership has called for the nation to come together. President Irfaan Ali announced a national period of mourning lasting three days, underscoring the collective grief and the impact of the tragedy on families, communities, and the education system. The president’s remarks framed the event as a source of profound sorrow for the entire nation, signaling a unified response and a commitment to support those affected by the loss.
Authorities have noted that identifying the victims will require DNA testing, a procedure that can be essential in confirming identities when families are awaiting definitive confirmation. In light of the losses, the Government of Guyana has requested assistance from international partners to expedite forensic work and ensure the families receive timely and accurate information about their loved ones. The ongoing coordination reflects both the seriousness of the incident and the country’s dedication to a transparent, methodical investigation while working within international support channels.