Inquiry finds ‘systemic failures at all levels’ in fatal Drop-In Centre fire

There were “systemic failures at all levels” and the persons in charge of the Drop-In Centre are collectively responsible for the state of affairs that led to the deaths of two young brothers in a fire at the centre in July, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has found. “The CoI found that this was a tragedy waiting to happen and that there was collective responsibility for the tragic event which claimed the lives of Joshua and Antonio George. The system to protect the children failed and therefore all the players are collectively responsible,” the report said. Among other findings, the report highlighted the overcrowding at the centre, the inadequate and poorly trained staff working at the time of the July 8 fire, and the lack of adherence to fire regulations. “Because the child care system was not foolproof, failures will have catastrophic consequences. All participants must therefore be held accountable for their own stewardship and for those under their control,” the report declared. It said the CoI was able to definitely determine that Joshua George and Antonio George died as a result of smoke inhalation, but the remaining 29 children and two staff did not sustain any physical injuries. According to the report, too, some of the older girls were still traumatized as a result of the tragedy. It said they blamed themselves for the deaths of the two children and were often having flashbacks and not sleeping well at night.