The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Rakai, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Nine Senior Three students of St Bernard’s Mannya Secondary School, in Kifamba Sub County Rakai district have died after a fire that gutted a students’ dormitory last night.
Deputy Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the incident saying arson was suspected and a warden has been arrested. Nie were burnt to death, 15 in critical condition, 25 sustained minor injuries
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started shortly after midnight at the senior three boy’s dormitory. A number of students from the dormitory were rescued by police and residents in the area before being rushed to Kitovu Referral Hospital where, according to Police, nine of them were confirmed dead.
But one of the community members who rushed to the scene told URN late in the night that, “We are still struggling to save lives and many students are being rushed to health facilities for medical attention.”
Earlier information indicates that unknown persons could have locked the boys’ dormitory before setting it on fire. Rescue teams struggled to unlock the padlocks outside the dormitory doors, in an effort to save the children. A number had lost their lives by the time the teams broke into the rooms.
Sombre mood at St. Bernads SS Manya, Rakai district in southern #Uganda where 10 students perished in fire last night. Assessment report by our Rakai branch manager indicates;15 in critical condition, 25 sustained minor injuries. @PoliceUg to establish cause of fire @inakasiita1 pic.twitter.com/JGP7OE1tCC
— Uganda Red Cross Soc (@UgandaRedCross) November 12, 2018
According to a statement by Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima, there is a suspicion that ten students recently expelled from the school could have had a hand in starting the fire.
“We suspect that 10 senior four students who were recently expelled due to indiscipline could have been behind the fire. We have already arrested one so that we can interrogate him,” the statement reads.
The police and school administration are withholding the identities of the dead students whose bodies are at Kitovu Referral Hospital until their parents and guardian are informed.
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SOURCE: URN
