One student died, and several properties were damaged when a fire broke out at the Bishop Crowther Memorial Seminary School, located in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, but it was reported that the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. The fire, which caused significant damage to the school’s hostel, destroyed mattresses and other students’ belongings. The student who died in the incident was taken to a mortuary.
The incident was confirmed by a statement from the Media Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service on Sunday. The state Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, stated that firefighters and a fire truck were immediately deployed to the scene and successfully contained the fire. According to the statement, the fire chief visited the school on Sunday to inspect the damage.
During this visit, the principal explained how the fire affected a portion of the school’s hostel, damaging everything within, including mattresses and students’ personal items. The statement, titled “Update on the incident that occurred in Bishop Crowther Seminary, Awka,” provided further details: “The Anambra State Fire Service Chief arrived at Bishop Crowther Memorial Seminary School, Awka, at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday for a firsthand inspection and assessment of the damage caused by the fire outbreak that occurred on Saturday night.
“Recall that the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, reporting a fire outbreak in one of the school’s hostels. Our firefighters and a fire truck were immediately deployed to the scene, and the fire was contained.”The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is confirmed that one of the students died at the scene and has been taken to a mortuary.”
The school Principal, Ven. Dr. Emendu, who received the fire chief, explained how the fire affected a part of the school’s hostel, damaging everything, including mattresses and other students’ belongings, and resulting in the death of one student. According to the principal, there were no other casualties or injuries.
“Ven. Dr. Emendu commended the state fire service for their prompt response, which prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. The Fire Chief sympathized with the school management and the students of Bishop Crowther Memorial Seminary School, urging them to take heart and find comfort in God’s consolation.
“He also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased student, who were on their way to the school at the time of the visit. He acknowledged the pain and heartbreak of losing a child, especially in such a tragic fire outbreak, and prayed for God to give them the strength to bear the loss,” the statement read.
The Fire Chief also took the opportunity to advise the public, emphasizing that while fire can be deadly, it can also be controlled. He urged everyone to always be safety-conscious and careful in their daily activities.