Liberia fire at Islamic school kills 27 students

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - A fire at an Islamic school in the Liberian capital Monrovia claimed the lives of at least 27 students, police said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the national television, police spokesman Moses Charter said: “The children were in the classroom learning the Quran when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire is not known yet.”

In a Twitter post, Liberian President George Weah also confirmed the incident.

“My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City; as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building. This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia. Deepest condolences go out to the bereaved Families and the entire Islamic Community,” Weah said.