Twenty-five girls unhurt as mysterious fire destroys Kilimanjaro-based seminary school

Moshi. All 25 students escaped unhurt as fire of unknown origin destroyed a pupils' dormitory at Kilimanjaro Mahadil Islamiyya Seminary Girls School in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The structure, powered solely by solar energy without any connection to the national grid, burned down while the students were attending their daily prayers.

Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Jeremiah Mkomagi confirmed the disaster, stating that all items inside the building, including exercise books, textbooks, mattresses, clothing, and other personal belongings, were completely lost.

Commander Mkomagi noted that the exact cause remains unclear, adding that investigations are currently underway to establish what triggered the blaze.

"It is true that a fire broke out today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, destroying the girls' dormitory while pupils were praying," confirmed the regional Fire and Rescue chief.

Headteacher Mohamed Lukua expressed shock over the incident, pointing out that the building lacked mains electricity and was securely locked at the time.

“At around 1:20 pm today, August 11, 2026, while in my office, I heard children shouting. Seeing thick smoke, I rushed to the scene where neighbours had already gathered. We managed to douse the flames using water,” recalled Mr Lukua.

He added that the affected building housed 25 Form Three students, who lost all their essential school items and personal property.

Mr Lukua reiterated that the blaze remains mysterious, as no one was inside the locked dormitory during the prayer session.

“The cause remains unknown because the pupils were at prayer when the fire started. The building runs on solar power, has no internal mains electricity, and was locked,” he stated.

Kilimanjaro Regional Sheikh Shaban Mlewa also confirmed that security agencies have taken over the investigation to determine the source of the fire.

“The incident occurred while the children were at prayer, but we do not know the cause yet. We have handed over the investigation to security organs,” said Sheikh Mlewa.

He expressed surprise that a building operating solely on solar energy could catch fire under such circumstances.

Sheikh Mlewa urged parents and members of the public to remain calm, reassuring them that learning activities would proceed uninterrupted.

“We assure parents and the public that studies will continue as normal. We thank God for protecting our students and ask for patience as we await the investigation findings,” concluded Sheikh Mlewa.