Mahdia tragedy: One boy among 14 bodies recovered from scene of fire

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect new information from the authorities. We originally reported 20 people had died.

An estimated 56 children were housed in the dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary school, in Region Eight, it has been revealed, as the authorities try to determine how a fire engulfed the building, leaving 19 persons dead.

18 girls and one boy were killed, health authorities in the Region have reported.

The Guyana Fire Service responded to the fire just after 23:00 hrs on Sunday and the fire was put out some three hours later.

When the blaze was put out, the News Room understand that 14 bodies were pulled from the rubble.

Of the children who managed to escape the building, 29 were transported to the Mahdia district hospital, where five died.

One student died on the way to Georgetown, a senior health official confirmed.

Three girls are currently receiving care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.