KINGSTON, Jamaica — It has been reported that two children who were housed at Walker’s Place of Safety on Lyndhurst Crescent in Kingston perished in a fire that destroyed the premises early this morning.

This according to a tweet by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, a short while ago.

Earlier this morning a release from the Ministry of Education reported that 34 of 36 children housed at premises have been moved to a temporary holding facility at a nearby church.

The two deceased at the privately-owned facility were unaccounted for at the time.

The ministry said counseling is being offered to the children and staff through the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

Meanwhile, Green said the CPFSA will be communicating with the parents of the deceased and their names and descriptions are being withheld.

“This is a truly devastating and traumatic experience for all involved. The CPFSA has already been offering counseling to the children, parents and staff. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and an investigation will be conducted with the help of the fire department to find out what happened,” he said.

The Walker’s Place of Safety serves as a transitional residence for children, generally up to 12 years old, who have been abandoned or removed from their homes because of unstable conditions. It provided food and shelter, along with access to educational services and health care.

Additional information will be provided as soon as this becomes available.