Nine children were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday following a fire at the Sophia Care Home, which is managed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
The Guyana Fire Service said the children were hospitalised for smoke inhalation. They were first treated by Emergency Medical Technicians before being transferred to the country’s main public hospital for further treatment.
According to a statement from the Fire Service, firefighters observed fire on the top floor of the female dormitory. Through swift and coordinated efforts, the blaze was brought under control and extinguished, preventing further spread.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security said that apart from the nine children taken to hospital, the other children were relocated to a safe space. The Ministry said it continues to monitor the situation closely, as the safety, health and welfare of the children remain its immediate priority.
This is the second fire at the location. In 2024, the living quarters and administrative office were damaged in a fire said to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring. The structure was later torn down and rebuilt.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs visited the scene on Monday night.