Police authorities are investigating a suspected arson incident at Tonga High School after receiving a report on Tuesday morning.
Several rooms had their doors burnt, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea. He told Tonga Broadcasting that the school security guard noticed the fire and extinguished it before it spread.
Four rooms and offices had smouldering embers left on their doors, which were the only affected areas, particularly those accessible from outside.
Police believe this incident is criminal in nature. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging the public to assist with any information related to the case.
Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni condemned the incident on social media, saying that the “bad act” would have affected about 1,400 students at Tonga High School.
Tonga High School has a history of fire-related incidents. In 2000, a massive fire caused over 3 million pa’anga in damage, destroying classrooms and equipment. The devastation forced students to study in tents and the charred remains of classrooms for a year.
In January 2022, Liahona High School experienced a fire that badly damaged Building K, which housed programs such as carpentry and mechanics. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident.
