A MAJOR fire broke out in a school dormitory in central Guyana, with Guyana President Irfaan Ali calling it a “major disaster”.
Upwards of 20 people died in the blaze after the fire raged through the female dormitory as students slept at Mahdia Secondary School.
President Ali said: “This is a major disaster. It is horrible, it is painful.”
Five planes have reportedly taken off to support the health officials, with plans to transport seven children to Georgetown for treatment.
The fire reportedly began around 23:40 on Sunday evening, and local news was informed that many are still unaccounted for.
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The town of Mahdia is known for its gold mining, and the school houses students from surrounding towns and villages in the region.
Photos from the scene showed smoke billowing from the building as the fire raged.
The government said in a statement: “We ask that our prayers continue to be with these children, their families, and communities.”
