Tragic Fire at Arunachal Residential School Claims Life of 6-Year-Old Girl; Magisterial Inquiry Ordered
Taktsang (Arunachal Pradesh): A devastating fire broke out at around 12:20 AM on December 11, 2025, in the hostel of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya, Taktsang, reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit. The incident led to the tragic death of a six-year-old Class I student, Choine Tsomu, despite brave rescue efforts by fellow student Dorjee Tsomu (Class VIII) and hostel warden Nima Lhamu, who managed to save many sleeping children.
Personnel from a nearby Indian Army unit, villagers, school staff, and hostel authorities rushed to the scene as the fire spread rapidly, fueled by dry wooden planks and furniture inside the building. Despite combined efforts using water and fire extinguishers, the flames engulfed the structure, causing extensive damage.
Early this morning, DC Tawang Namgyal Angmo (IAS), Superintendent of Police Dr. D.W. Thongon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Lungla Tashi Dhondup, DDMO Genden Tsomu, and DDSE Tawang Hridar Phuntsok visited the site to assess the situation and evaluate the losses. They also met the bereaved family.
The deceased student, Choine Tsomu, was the daughter of Tenzin Yeton and Yeshi Wange of Shocktsan village, under the Jemeithang Circle. Her body has been sent for post-mortem and other mandatory legal procedures.
DC Tawang has ordered a magisterial inquiry, to be conducted by the Circle Officer, Jemeithang, to establish the exact cause and circumstances of the incident. Additionally, a district-wide safety audit of all residential schools and hostels has been mandated to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has left the community in deep shock, mourning the loss of a young life and the destruction of vital school infrastructure.
