This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, a devastating fire broke out at an Islamic school in Liberia, claiming the lives of at least 27 children.
According to police spokesman Moses Carter, the children were learning the Koran when the fire started, and an investigation revealed that the blaze was caused by an electrical issue.
Initially, Carter reported that 30 children had died, but later revised the death toll down to 27. Two survivors were taken to the hospital for treatment.
President George Weah expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, 'My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City. This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia.'
While building collapses due to faulty electrics are common in Liberia's big cities, such incidents are rarely deadly.
