Team to probe Ikizu school fire

Authorities in Bunda district, Mara region have formed a team of seven people to investigate the cause of a fire that gutted down two dormitories at Ikizu secondary school.

Bunda District Commissioner, Joshua Mirumbe, said the probe team will work under the district security committee. He said there are rumors that the fire was an act of malice and not an electrical fault as reported earlier by the school administration.

“The fire incident is suspected to be an act of sabotage… I want the probe team to look into the matter thoroughly,” he said.

Mirumbe said the team working with officials from the fire brigade department, is expected to complete its task within five days. He said the team is led by District Criminal Investigation Officer who is the chairman while other members will come from the police force, intelligence unit, village leaders and the school owner.

Mirumbe said the terms of reference include identifying the cause of the fire and making recommendations on how to avoid such an occurrence in future.

The incident occurred at around 9pm over the weekend. It was preceded by a huge blast before the fire spread quickly and burning down two dormitories with all the students' belongings.

Earlier, the Ikizu Secondary School Headmaster Emmanuel Masasi said the fire was caused by an electrical fault. He said the dormitories which were burnt down were used by100 Form One, Two and Three students.

He said the fire started when students were attending a preparatory session in the classrooms.

“No one was injured or killed during the incident,” he said, adding that all students will remain at the school while the administration communicate with their parents.

He called on Good Samaritans to volunteer support to the students since they have lost all their personal belongings.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN