Second Blaze Destroys Nyapui School Hall, Intensifying Safety Concerns

Second Blaze Destroys Nyapui School Hall, Intensifying Safety Concerns

A second fire in one month has severely impacted the prestigious Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema, resulting in the destruction of a major school hall. This incident has intensified existing concerns regarding student safety and fire preparedness across boarding institutions nationwide.

According to initial reports and eyewitness accounts, the fire originated in the main hall, a central facility utilized for assemblies, events, and essential school functions. Observers noted that the blaze rapidly engulfed the roof and interior structure before community members could mobilize to assist with fire suppression efforts.

As thick smoke ascended into the sky, residents and onlookers gathered outside the school perimeter. Many individuals attempted to salvage belongings and support the effort to control the inferno, but the intensity of the flames significantly impeded direct firefighting attempts.

This latest disaster follows a previous fire incident at the same school in February 2026, which gutted a boarding facility. While the initial outbreak resulted in no confirmed fatalities, it caused widespread alarm among parents and authorities, prompting preliminary investigations into existing safety protocols.

Following the second fire, all pupils and staff were safely evacuated, with no reports of serious injuries at the time of reporting. The school administration has appealed for calm, public support, and patience as emergency services continue their investigation into the cause of the fire.

The community is urging school authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into both incidents to determine whether they were accidental, resulted from negligence, electrical faults, or other factors. There is a strong call for enhanced safety measures, including the implementation of regular fire drills and proper electrical inspections.

Urgent action is being requested from governmental and educational authorities to ensure that such destructive events do not recur, as the education and welfare of girls in Kenema and beyond rely on securing safer learning environments.

As the school community assesses the extent of the damage and begins planning for restoration or reconstruction, the broader national discourse on fire safety standards in Sierra Leonean schools continues to gain significant momentum.