At least 20 students dead in Guyana school dormitory fire

TORONTO

At least 20 students died in a fire that broke out in a school dormitory in Guyana, a statement by the South American nation's Department of Public Information said Monday.

"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 official statement read.

Several other children are injured in the fire that occurred in Mahdia town, according to the statement.

"Five planes have already taken off to Mahdia to support the regional health officials with additional medical supplies and medivacs. At this moment, seven children are prepared to be medivac to Georgetown," added the statement.

"The Prime Minister is leading a team of cabinet and other officials to Madhia whilst Minister Benn is already on the ground. The president and other officials are supporting efforts at Ogle to receive the critical patients and coordinate an emergency plan of action."

The statement noted that 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," it said.