As the country continues to mourn the deaths of the 19 children following the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire, two patients continue to fight for their lives.
Those two are currently in the intensive care unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), according to GPH Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran.
Rambarran when contacted, stated that the two patients are still in a critical state. He also informed that in total some 12 patients remained under their care. Out of those 12, nine are in the paediatric ward, while one patient remains in the burn unit at the hospital. He also noted that seven patients were also discharged.
Initially, six girls were air-dashed to Georgetown for treatment in a critical state, however, out of an abundance of caution, all the injured victims were sent to the GPH.
On Sunday night, a fire broke out in the school’s girls’ dormitory.
The fire reportedly started in a bedroom and later spread to other parts of the building. This prompted a frantic call for help from more than 60 occupants in a building that was heavily grilled.
As the screams got louder, those nearby rushed to the scene while also summoning the fire service which arrived shortly after. Meanwhile, persons in the area helped some occupants to escape while the fire swept through the building.
Upon arrival, the fire fighters sprung into action. They punched holes in a section of the building to rescue some of the occupants and to contain the blaze.
After the fire, some 14 children were found dead, while five others were pronounced dead on arrival at the local hospital.
Some bodies were said to be burnt beyond recognition and would require DNA testing to identify the remains.
The Guyana Police Force later stated that the fire was deliberately set by a student and have sought the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
