A six-year-old student died in a hostel fire at a school in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, claiming the life of a Class 1 student.
The fire started around 12:20 AM at the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya hostel in Taktsang. Most children were asleep when the blaze broke out.
Rescue Efforts and Victim
Eighth-grade student Dorjee Tsomu and hostel warden Nima Lhamu quickly responded. They successfully rescued several students from the burning building. However, Choine Tsomu, a Class 1 student, could not be saved. The district administration confirmed these details in a statement.
Personnel from a nearby Indian Army unit, local villagers, school staff, and hostel authorities rushed to the scene. They initiated immediate rescue and firefighting efforts. The fire spread rapidly through the building. Dried wooden planks and furniture inside the hostel accelerated the blaze, making containment challenging.
Official Response and Investigation
District Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and SP DW Thongon visited the fire site. They assessed the damage caused by the incident. Authorities sent the body of the deceased student, Choine Tsomu, for a post-mortem examination. Tsomu was a resident of Shocktsan village in the Jemeithang circle of the border district.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the fire’s cause and circumstances. This inquiry will investigate all aspects of the incident. Additionally, the district administration has mandated a comprehensive safety audit for all residential schools and hostels across the district. This audit aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure student safety in such facilities.
Hostel Safety Measures Under Review
The district-wide safety audit will review fire prevention systems, emergency exit protocols, and building material safety. Officials will inspect dormitories, kitchens, and common areas. The audit will also evaluate staff training for emergency response. Authorities aim to identify and rectify potential hazards in all residential educational institutions.
This incident highlights the critical need for strict adherence to fire safety norms in school hostels. The safety audit will ensure all schools meet established guidelines. It will also help implement improved safety measures where necessary. The findings from the magisterial inquiry and the safety audit will guide future policy decisions.
Local communities and parents await the results of these investigations. The focus remains on preventing similar incidents and ensuring the well-being of students in residential schools. School administrations are expected to cooperate fully with the audit process.