dormitory burn

Officer: Fire started at top of UPNG dorm

NCD Fire Commander Akia Koia tells Loop PNG that the Waigani station was on call and was assisted by the Gerehu and Boroko units.

Koia says that the building has since been cleared with officials still on site to monitor it.

Observation on ground is that the building still appears to be giving off smoke.

Koia says as well that the cause of the fire is yet to be established. From initial reports, the fire started sometime between 6 and 7pm on Friday.

Later this afternoon, fire officials will go over the site and begin inspections. 

UPNG dorm destroyed by fire

The cause of the fire is not immediately known.

Witnesses said at around 7pm, the fire started because they saw flames on the building, spreading fast.

The fire appeared to have started in the middle of the building on the top level.

Firemen and the emergency workers arrived late but managed to stop the fire from spreading.

Most first year students residing there said they lost valuable items like certificates, laptops and text books.

More than 100 students live in that hall of residence.

More to come.