…all children accounted for
(Kaieteur News) – Fire Monday evening destroyed sections of the female dormitory of the Sophia Children’s Home and at least nine children had to be rushed to the Georgetown Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Guyana Fire Service have confirmed that all of the occupants of the state-run facility have been accounted for and that the fire has been contained.
“All children housed at the Plum Park location have been accounted for and safely evacuated,” ministry said in a statement
Scenes of the fire at the Sophia Children’s Home Monday evening
Children who experienced health issues have been transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention, while the other children have been relocated to a safe location.
The ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation. The safety, health and welfare of the children remain its immediate priority.
The ministry thanks the Guyana Fire Service for its swift response, as well as all those assisting with the evacuation, care and protection of the children.
It noted that further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
The female dormitory of the Sophia Children’s home was badly damaged following a fire last evening
The ministry also urged members of the public to respect the privacy of the children and refrain from sharing unverified information or images that could identify them.
Meanwhile, also in a statement the Guyana Fire Service said firefighters have fully extinguished the fire at the Children and Family Home.
According to the agency, firefighters observed the fire on the top floor of the female dormitory. Through swift, coordinated efforts, they brought the blaze under control and extinguished it, preventing further spread.
“The firefighters are currently conducting mop-up operations, which include checking for hidden pockets of fire and ensuring the building is safe from possible reignition. All of the residents are accounted for, however, nine of the children suffered from smoke inhalation and were treated by the EMTs and were transported to the Georgetown Hospital for further treatment.
Investigations have commenced to determine the origin and cause of the fire.”
Source: Kaieteur News
