Itanagar, Dec 11: In a tragic incident, a six-year-old girl student charred to death in a devastating fire mishap that happened at the hostel of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya, Taktsang, in Tawang district in the wee hours on Thursday.
Officials said that the fire broke out at around 12:20 am reportedly caused by an electric short circuit.
The deceased has been identified as class I student Choine Tsomu, daughter of Tenzin Yeton and Yeshi Wange of Shocktsan village under the Jemeithang circle.
According to reports, hostel warden Nima Lhamu and VIIIth standard student Dorjee Tsomu displayed remarkable courage by rescuing several children who were asleep, as the blaze spread. Despite their efforts, one child, Choine Tsomu, a class I student, could not be saved due to the intensity of the fire.
Personnel from a nearby Indian Army unit, along with villagers, school staff and hostel authorities, rushed to the spot and attempted to contain the flames using water and fire extinguishers. However, the fire spread rapidly, fuelled by dried wooden planks and furniture inside the hostel, causing extensive damage to the school property.
On Thursday morning, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, along with Superintendent of Police Dr DW Thongon, Lungla ADC Tashi Dhondup, DDMO Genden Tsomu and DDSE Hridar Phuntsok visited the site to assess the situation and take stock of damages. They also met the bereaved family.
The body of the minor has been sent for post-mortem and completion of other necessary legal formalities.
DC Angmo has ordered a magisterial inquiry through the Circle Officer, Jemeithang, to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident. She has also directed a district-wide safety audit of all residential schools and hostels to prevent such tragedies in the future.