Spokesperson for the Education Department, Howard Ndaba, tells OFM said that all the girls living in the hostel were evacuated from the burning building, and thee learners were taken to Pelonomi Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Ndaba added the cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

"Our psychosocial support services will be giving counselling to all learners, hostel staff and teachers today who have been affected by the fire. The learners have been secured a place to sleep by the department and will be provided with breakfast and necessities this morning."

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Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Department of Health in the Free State, confirmed that only three learners were taken to hospital for observation after smoke inhalation.

“None of the three girls were found to be seriously injured and were discharged after being cleared of any danger,” Mvambi added.

OFM News / Heidrè Malgas