Fire alarms, detection systems were absent at Mahdia dorms – COI hears

All the windows and doors of the dormitory were also grilled, he said.

“It was really devastating to see a dorm like that…Then we went to the holes they (citizens) made…they used beams to make the holes in the walls to get the children out,” Mohamed related.

Mohamed, whose responsibilities include conducting training and fire inspections said the last inspection at the dormitory was conducted in February 2023.

In addition, he further told the Commission, that the fire service experienced difficulty in sourcing water and there were no close by hydrants.

““We would use open water source with a light pump because most times the open source is located in these areas where the trucks can’t meet,” he said.

But despite this, Mohamed maintained that the fire service was “adequately” prepared to respond to the tragedy and their best response was given.

Mohamed is among four witnesses who testified before the Commission as day two of the public hearings concluded.