Four children dead, scores injured in Kawempe school fire

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Four children have been confirmed dead after fire razed hostel facilities at New Crest Junior at Kibedi Day and Boarding Primary School in Kawempe Division Kampala City.

Reports gathered by this publication allege that the fire started at around 3 am on Saturday morning from one of the female pupils’ dormitories claiming four female pupils on the spot while three pupils were evacuated with critical injuries.

The injured pupils by the time of this report had been admitted at Kyadondo Hospital located in Kisowera Zone Kawempe I Ward in Kawempe Division undergoing treatment.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the incident saying police has launched investigations into the fire outbreak pointing out at negligence of the staff at the school as they tried to manage the fire locally without alerting the nearby police.

“It should, however, be noted that the school locally managed the fire outbreak and did not bring it to the attention of the nearest police at Kawempe. This is an act of gross negligence that caused the death and injuries of the pupils,” said Owoyesigyire.

He added; “A case file of causing death has been opened at Kawempe police station. Our forensic team of experts from the Directorate of Fire and from the Forensics are documenting the scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased pupils.”