Press Release

May 22, 2023

The Guyana Fire Service is currently working to determine what transpired leading to a major fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory last evening.

At this time, we can confirm that we received the report of the fire at 23:15 p.m. last evening; however, when firefighters arrived on the scene, the building was already completely engulfed in flames, resulting in nineteen (19) children losing their lives by the time it was extinguished.

Fourteen (14) youths died at the scene, while five (5) died at the Mahdia District Hospital.

Two (2) children remain in critical condition, while four (4) are nursing severe injuries as a result of the incident. These six (6) persons were air-dashed to Georgetown for medical attention, while five remain admitted at the Mahdia hospital, and another ten (10) are in observation.

Firefighters did manage to rescue some twenty (20) students by breaking holes in the north-eastern wall of the building.

Our team is still on the ground investigating as we seek to provide clarity regarding how the fire started and all other necessary information.

It is a sad day for Guyana, and the entire Fire Department mourns with you over the loss of so many young children. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the relatives and friends of those young souls, and our prayers remain with you.

We will provide you with more information as soon as it becomes available.