Rescue 1122 Evacuates 1,400 Students from School Fire

An alarming incident unfolded in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as a government school for girls, the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Sirikot area, was engulfed in a fierce blaze. The fire posed a grave threat to the safety of around 1,400 students and staff members, causing extensive damage to the school building, furniture, records, and ceilings.

The swift response from Haripur's Rescue 1122 averted a potential disaster by successfully evacuating all individuals from the premises. Despite the challenging terrain hindering firefighters' access to the site, their relentless efforts, supported by local residents, helped contain the inferno. The community's proactive involvement, especially in evacuating the female students, played a pivotal role in ensuring everyone's safety.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident, with Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry confirming a short-circuit as the likely cause of the fire. An ongoing investigation aims to ascertain the exact trigger of the blaze. Chaudhry has reassured that measures will be implemented to restore the damaged school infrastructure and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his apprehension over the fire incident and lauded the prompt actions of the rescue teams. Stressing the importance of reviewing safety protocols in all educational institutions to forestall such mishaps, he announced the provincial government's commitment to compensating for the losses incurred due to the fire.

The fire at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Haripur serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust safety measures in educational facilities. The collaborative efforts of emergency responders, local residents, and government officials underscore the significance of community resilience in times of crisis. As investigations continue and restoration plans take shape, the incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness to safeguard lives and property in the face of unforeseen emergencies.