A fire broke out in a school dormitory in the South American country of Guyana on Sunday night (local time), killing at least 19 children. The fire broke out in the girls' hostel of a secondary school. At present, it is not known what was the reason for the fire. Earlier media reports had reported that 20 people had been killed.

Refuting reports that 20 people have been killed in a blaze at Guyana's Mahdia Secondary School, a spokeswoman for the national fire department said on Monday that the massive blaze has stirred up the country. At least nine other people were injured in the accident. One victim was rescued, but remains on a ventilator and remains in critical condition.

According to a press statement issued by the Guyana government, the incident occurred at a secondary school in the town of Mahdia, 320 km south of the capital Georgetown. The children of the indigenous community in the age group of 12 to 18 years live in this hostel.

According to foreign media, the dead included 18 girls and a child who was the caretaker's son. Guyana's President Irfan Ali described the incident as "sad, painful and horrifying". The fire broke out shortly after 11:30 p.m. at the inner-city high school in the hilly area of Mahdia, local media reported. According to NSA Gerald Gouvia, every effort was made to save the children and the help of air services was taken. But the rescue operation was challenged due to the storm.

Officials said the government launched a full-scale medical emergency action plan with planes equipped with medical personnel and equipment to assist the local population. Seriously injured victims were airlifted to Georgetown within hours. While others have been admitted to Mahdia District Hospital, where they have been kept under observation.