20 schoolgirls die in fire

2006-03-31 20:37

Kampala - Officials say 20 schoolgirls are feared dead and eight are still missing after a fire destroyed a primary school dormitory in western Uganda.

"We have so far ascertained that 12 pupils died," said Ndiwa Chemasuet,the resident commissioner for Kabarole.

"The doctors are just combing the ashes and the remains cannot be identified. They are charred. Eight other children cannot be traced. They are missing and may have also died."

The Kabarole district police commander, Musana Munene, earlier said that a candle lit by one of the pupils had started the fire in the Muslim primary school near Fort Portal town, about 320km west of Kampala.

Ten pupils, most of whom were still sleeping, were burnt beyond recognition and two others were injured.

Following a power cut, which is a daily occurrence in Uganda, the pupil lit a candle and fire spread to mattresses, clothes and books.

- SAPA