School fire leaves 27 children dead (Photos)
A midnight fire at an Islamic school located in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the Liberian capital, Monrovia has reportedly left 27 children dead.
According to Aljazeera, the tragic incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday, September 18. Moses Carter who is the spokesperson of the police confirmed the incident.
He said the children were learning Quran when the fire broke out and that only the Imam, a teacher and two children escaped. The police had to fight a large crowd of wailing family members and sympathisers to gain access to the building.
According to the BBC, the police are still looking for some of the bodies of the victims.
Pastor Emmanuel Herbert who was an eyewitness said he raised alarm when he noticed the fire.
He said: “When I looked through the window, I saw the whole place blazing with fire.” President George Weah expressed his condolences via a tweet.”
My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City; as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building. This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia. Deepest condolences go out to the bereaved
— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) September 18, 2019
