A tragic fire broke out at a government residential school in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district early Sunday, claiming the life of an eight-year-old student and leaving three others injured, police reported.

The incident occurred around 2 am in the boys’ hostel of Papikrung Government Residential School, according to Shi-Yomi Superintendent of Police S K Thongdok. The deceased student has been identified as Tashi Jempen, a Class 3 student from Chango village.

The injured students, identified as Lukhi Pujen (8), Tanu Pujen (9), and Tayi Pujen (11), were initially taken to a hospital in Tato, the district headquarters located about 85 km from the school. They were later referred to the Zonal General Hospital in Aalo, West Siang district, for advanced treatment. Aalo is approximately 130 km from Tato, requiring a five-hour journey.

A police team has been dispatched to the remote village, situated 17 km from Monigong town, to investigate the incident. The cause of the fire remains unclear as the village does not have power connectivity, officials stated.

Papikrung is located near the last Indian Army post in Tadadege village, highlighting the remoteness and challenging access to the area. Authorities have launched a detailed probe into the tragedy.