On Saturday May 9th, a direct lightening strike set fire to the radio and TV studio station at the Don Bosco Technical school in Sihanoukville. 

The local fire brigade responded to an alarm that was sounded by boarders sleeping near the campus, but despite best efforts the studios were completely destroyed.

No injuries or damage to other building have been reported, and due to soundproofing protection within the studios, the fire was contained within those rooms. Other sections of the communications department were not affected.

The Radio and TV studios opened in February were the most recent addition to the social communications sector of the school with equipment donated by benefactors from the Netherlands. According to Fr John Visser, the Rector of the Salesian House in Sihanoukville, the fire caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

"We want the studios to become a center of production for education and development in the country," said Fr Albeiro Rodas, the Vice Rector and coordinator of the communications project. Fr Albeiro Rodas appealed to Salesian supporters to help in the reconstruction of the studios.

(Reported by ANS / Salesian Info Society)