20 schoolchildren died in fire in Niger

– There was a fire in 21 classrooms in thatched huts, and around 20 children were caught in the flames. Rescue crews were quickly on the scene, and the fire was eventually extinguished. But the fire was extremely powerful, and the children did not escape, says fire chief Sidi Mohamed.

According to state television, the fire broke out while teaching was taking place. It is unclear what caused it.

Niger is ranked as the world’s poorest country in the UN Human Development Index.

The authorities in the country have built thousands of thatched huts that serve as classrooms, where children often have to sit on the ground. Fires often occur in these, but it is rare that human lives are lost.

(© NTB)

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