In a devastating event, a 15-year-old girl has been accused of intentionally causing the deaths of 19 children by setting fire to a school dormitory in Guyana.
The fire took place at Mahdia Secondary School in western Guyana and resulted in the tragic loss of 18 female students and a 5-year-old boy, according to the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service.
The teenager appeared in court remotely and was charged as an adult for the 19 murders. However, she was not allowed to enter a plea, and her next court appearance is scheduled for July 5 to determine if the trial can proceed.
Investigators allege that the girl started the fire in the dormitory bathroom as a form of retaliation after a teacher confiscated her cell phone. The severity of the charges means that if she is found guilty, she could potentially face a life sentence in prison, as reported by AP.
At the time of the incident, there were 56 female students inside the dormitory, which was built with concrete and wood. The dormitory windows were secured with bars, and five doors were locked, making it difficult for the students to escape.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a press conference following the fire, expressed the heart-wrenching fact that many of the bodies were severely burned and required DNA testing for identification.
The samples were sent to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, and the results have confirmed the identities of all the victims, according to Guyana’s Department of Public Information (DPI).
Furthermore, it was revealed that the dormitory administrator had previously locked the doors to prevent female students from leaving. Tragically, the 5-year-old boy who lost his life was the administrator’s own son.
Although the exact number of injuries sustained in the incident was not disclosed, approximately 13 students were transferred to hospitals for treatment, as stated by the DPI.
One severely injured victim was taken to the burn center at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. The DPI mentioned that the patient underwent two surgeries, and although her condition remains critical, she has shown gradual improvement. The transfer was carried out as a precautionary measure and in the best interest of the patient.
President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed his commitment to supporting the affected families and children, assuring them that the government would provide all necessary assistance during this challenging time.
The DPI’s statement also mentioned that a Mental Health Team, consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, continues to offer ongoing support to the families and children affected by this tragedy.
