A horrifying fire engulfed a boys’ dormitory at Kasana Junior School in Masaka City early on Monday, resulting in the tragic loss of two young lives, Aloysius Katende and Malik Katende, while leaving nine pupils injured. The incident occurred at around 4 am, shaking the school community and the local area.
The Dormitory Blaze: A Heart-Wrenching Tragedy
The dormitory, which housed approximately 15 children from Top and P1 classes, was reduced to ashes as the flames consumed the structure. The school’s matron, who had been responsible for the well-being of the young students, was also affected by the fire, exacerbating the gravity of the situation.
Authorities investigating the incident have pointed to a potential short circuit as the cause of the fire. It is believed that the matron may have inadvertently caused the short circuit while charging a phone within the dormitory. Southern regional deputy police commander Jamada Wandera provided this insight during a press briefing on Monday.
Local authorities and emergency services acted swiftly to manage the crisis. The injured students were promptly transported to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention. Reports from the scene indicate that more than six of the injured children were in critical condition, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The injured students, identified as Alpha Wasswa, Austin Kisomose, Grant Matovu, Martin Muganga, Arnold Mwesigye, Sharid Mwanje, and others only identified as Ssenoga and Ahimbisibwe, received immediate care, with parents rushing to the hospital to check on their children’s conditions
The Importance of Maintaining Calm
Amidst the chaos and distress, regional deputy police commander Jamada Wandera addressed the anxious parents, emphasizing that the fire appeared to be accidental and not driven by ill intent. He reassured the community that thorough assessments had been conducted and measures taken to provide parents with information about their children’s status.
As the situation gradually calms, authorities encouraged the students to return to their classes, emphasizing the importance of resuming normalcy within the school.
This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in educational institutions and the need for continued vigilance to protect the well-being of our children. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families affected by this devastating event.
