Harare Correspondent
HARARE – Churchill Boys High School was plunged into chaos on Monday afternoon after a ferocious fire gutted three Form 1 and 2 dormitories, reducing the buildings to ashes and leaving students’ belongings destroyed.
Authorities suspect the blaze stemmed from a combination of a gas leakage and an electrical fault.
The fire erupted at precisely 3 p.m., according to school headmaster Mr. Aquanose Mavhunga, who confirmed the incident.
“The dormitories were completely burnt to ashes. We immediately alerted the Fire Brigade, who responded swiftly and managed to contain the flames within 30 minutes,” Mavhunga stated, visibly shaken.
Students lost critical possessions, including trunks, uniforms, bedding, and blankets, with the school yet to determine the total value of the damage.
“We are still assessing the extent of the destruction,” Mavhunga added. “Our priority now is to support the affected learners and secure temporary accommodations.”
No injuries were reported, but the incident has disrupted campus life for dozens of pupils. Parents and guardians rushed to the school following the emergency, with many expressing distress over the sudden loss of their children’s property.
Local fire officials are investigating the exact cause, though preliminary findings point to the dual factors of a gas leak and faulty wiring.
“We will conduct a thorough inquiry to prevent such tragedies in the future,” said a spokesperson for the Harare Fire Brigade.
The school administration has appealed for community support to assist displaced students, while Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Education is expected to intervene with emergency resources.
Zim GBC News©2025