Potchefstroom – An electrical fault was suspected to be the cause of a fire that gutted the boys’ hostel at Volks High School in Potchefstroom, the North West education department said on Tuesday.
“Although no official investigation report is issued as yet, the fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, “ Education MEC Wendy Matsemela said.
A fire ripped through the boys hostel on Monday night, damaging 29 bedrooms and two bathrooms.
“No learners or officials were harmed. Learners and officials gathered at an emergency assembly point and were immediately evacuated to a place of safety.”
Matsemela expressed her concern on the second fire only a week apart from the fire that broke out at North West Secondary School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad.
“We are relived to say that all learners were saved due to the evacuation plan. Learners are safe with no reported fatalities. We are worried about these fires which have erupted in our schools. I believe all the people in the province are also worried,” she said.
She said she was also worried that the fire broke out at night and at a residence of learners.
“We are very much worried by these incidents of fire. Why the fire targeting hostel is remains a mystery. We will wait for the police report.”
On August 24, a fire ripped through the girls’ hostel at the North West Secondary School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad, killing three girls while over 50 others were admitted in hospital for smoke inhalation and minor injuries they suffered when they jumped from the first floor to the ground floor to escape the blaze.
Matsemela said North West Secondary School for the Deaf learners would relocate to Kutlwanong School for the Deaf in Rustenburg to be in a familiar environment while preparing for their examination.
They were initially placed at Daeraad Special School and Wolmaranstad High School after the fire.
ANA