SHILLONG:
The fire and emergency service department is likely to receive the report on the fire that gutted KJP Higher Secondary School in the wee hours of Sunday.
An official told The Meghalayan that three officers have been assigned to conduct an inquiry into the incident, including ascertaining the cause of the fire. “We will be getting the report tomorrow ( Tuesday),” the official said.
Recalling that firefighters were working tirelessly on Sunday, the official said that there were other incidents of fire in some places in the city, too. He said the fire engines turned up to douse the school fire after receiving a call from a lady at 2:35 am.
The narrow roads in the area made it difficult for the fire engines, the official said. “The narrow lanes made it difficult for the vehicles to enter; 60 tankers were used to douse the fire,” he said.
The official also said that smaller fire engines will not be of much help in the event of large fires because their water carrying capacity is less.
Meanwhile school authorities on Monday informed that classes will be suspended for a week till temporary arrangements can be made to accommodate the students.
Speaking to media persons, one of the teachers, Kular Khongjirem, informed that the school managing committee will deliberate on their future course of action.
He also said that the half-yearly examination will be conducted as scheduled. The school authorities have also urged the students to have patience for at least one week and information on resumption of classes will be given at a later date.
In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating fire broke out at the 131-year-old KJP HS School, resulting in complete destruction of the institute.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who visited the school on Sunday, has said the government will provide Rs one crore to rebuild it.