MAGGOTTY, St Elizabeth — Principal of Maggotty High in northern St Elizabeth Sean Graham says the school will Wednesday be focusing on providing counselling following Sunday’s house fire in Springfield, Westmoreland, that left a student, 13-year-old Adrianna Laing, hospitalised with severe burns.

The tragic incident of which Adrianna was the lone survivor claimed the lives of her three brothers — eight-year-old Adrianno and seven-year-old twins Jayden and Jorden.

A police report said about 9:40 pm, the children were at home with their father, when he lit a candle due to a power outage. The police said the father went outside and later realised the house was engulfed in flames.

Adrianna, who will now need medical care overseas, was to return to school today (Wednesday) in grade eight.

Graham said the school has prepared its guidance counsellors to provide support for students.

“When grade eight comes in we will be trying to ascertain those students who were close to her. The guidance counsellors will [talk] to them… As it relates to staff, what we have been doing since yesterday [Monday] is praying about the situation,” he said.

“It was shocking. Personally, I heard the news in the morning [Monday] and I was saying this is a tragic situation. Tomorrow [Wednesday] when her friends are back we will see some more [to provide support], but it is sad,” said Graham.

Graham added that he communicated with Adrianna’s father, Adrian Laing, on WhatsApp.

He said: “I am trying to arrange a visit with him either Wednesday or Thursday to go and see him. We are just in a posture of prayer for her [Adrianna] and for the family.”

— Kasey Williams