Fire outbreak at LASSEC causes closure of school

Zassia-Tuolu (UE/R), July 28, GNA - Fire on Saturday night destroyed the main boys' dormitory of the Lassia-Tuolu Senior Secondary School in the Wa District while the students were having entertainment. As a result, the school's authorities have sent the first and second year students home leaving 125 final year students now writing their final examinations.

Mr Ernest Aklamah, the Regional Fire Officer, told newsmen on Monday that although personnel of the Service responded in time to the emergency call the school, 35 kilometres away, was burnt before they reached.

''The dormitory housing 132 students was burnt to ashes destroying beddings, boxes and books.''

He said, "interviews with the students and tutors left no doubt in our minds that the fire was caused by fire from one of the lanterns that was not put off before the students left the dormitory." The school is not connected to the national electricity grid and depends largely on kerosene lamps.

Mr Andrew Kpan, the Headmaster of the school, said the second year students would be called back to finish the academic term after the final year students had finished writing their final examination.