IMSP in Dangbo: fire destroys the main auditorium

The 250-seat building, used for classes and various academic ceremonies, was completely destroyed.

According to a teacher living nearby, thick smoke was seen around 6 a.m. Local residents immediately alerted the firefighters. When they arrived, much of the furniture was already destroyed.

The firefighters nevertheless managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other university campus buildings. Early images show an unrecognizable auditorium: charred chairs, melted cables, a collapsed roof, and a ceiling blackened by sheets of soot.

The cause of the fire remains unknown for now. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether it was an electrical incident or a malicious act.

The IMSP in Dangbo, under the supervision of the University of Abomey-Calavi, is a leading institution in education and research in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and agronomic disciplines. The fire represents a major loss for the institution, pending the conclusions of the investigation and reconstruction measures.