JOHANNESBURG -- Deaf pupils had to jump from the first floor of the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children hostel in Leeudoringstad in the North West, after it became engulfed by fire.
Three pupils died and 23 were injured were injured and at least 40 beds destroyed in the early morning blaze.
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North West police spokesperson Major Pelonomi Makau told eNCA: “Twenty three learners are being treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries caused by jumping from the first floor to the ground floor to escape the fire.
“They were rushed to Nic Bodenstein Hospital in Wolmaranstad where they are currently receiving treatment,” she added.
In a statement, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said: “Damages at the school include one hostel which hosts 40 beds, an administration block, a computer laboratory and two teachers’ flats.
Mahumapelo, who extended his condolences to the families of the dead pupils, said a technical committee had been set up to intervene at the school...
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Deaf School Was Warned of Imminent Fire - The Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children hostel was warned that it did not comply with the needs of the learners.
According to the Deaf Federation of South Africa , the warning was by US based Rochester Institute of Technology when they visited the school.
"Rochester Institute of Technology identified that the school does not comply to needs for Deaf Learners if there should be a fire, this report was handed to the Department of Education in the North West and nothing was done to ensure that Deaf learner’s safety needs are addressed," DeafSA said in a statement...
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Related Deaf School Fire:
Deaf School Fire: Perished Pupils Laid To Rest
Deaf School Fire: 3 Dead, Dozen Injured
