Fire in Liberia religious school kills dozens of children

Image

Dozens of children have been killed after a fire broke out at their religious school in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the Liberian capital, Monrovia. 

"The kids were learning the Quran when the fire broke out," police spokesman Moses Carter was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency on Wednesday.

"The cause is not known yet," he said, giving a death toll of 30.

AFP news agency quoted the president's office as saying that the fire killed at least 26 children and two teachers.

"This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia," President George Weah said in a post on Twitter. "Deepest condolences go out to the bereaved."

Developing story, More soon...

Related Articles

Kenyan President William Ruto Says Border With Somalia Will Remain Closed

The Kenya-Somalia border has been subject to periodic restrictions in recent years due to security threats.

  • Africa

    03-06-2026

  • 08:54AM

Polls Open in Ethiopia as Conflict Leaves Millions Unable to Vote

The election is the seventh since the fall of Ethiopia’s military regime in 1991 and comes amid renewed instability in parts of the country.

  • Africa

    01-06-2026

  • 07:14AM