A massive blaze through the dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School in Guyana this morning has claimed the lives of at least 20 children and injured several others

The school is located about 100 miles southwest of Georgetown.

“It is with great sadness that we bring to you a heart-wrenching update on the fire at the dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School.  We have lost many beautiful souls in that fire. The death toll currently stands at 20, while several others received injuries,” the government said in a statement

The government said it has mobilized at least give planes which were already on their way to Mahdia to support the regional health officials with additional medical supplies and medivacs.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading a team of Cabinet and other officials to Madhia

“A full-scale medical emergency action plan has been launched. We ask that our prayers continue to be with these children, their families, and communities,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali said an emergency medical response post has been established at the Eugene F. Correia ‘Ogle’ International Airport to provide initial medical treatment for those who may require it.

“We are setting up an emergency centre here. Everything is being set up in Georgetown here to receive critical and severely injured children. What we definitely know is that it’s horrific. The full result of what took place is not available as yet. That is not the concentration now. The concentration is now on the children and to ensure that we give them as much help as we can,” he said.