A TEENAGE girl has been charged with 19 counts of murder after a deadly fire at a school in Guyana.

Guyanese officials allege the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School, was deliberately set alight by a student who was upset that her mobile phone was taken away.

On Monday, a 15-year-old girl, who has been charged as an adult, appeared virtually at a court hearing south of capital Georgetown.

Officials say the deadly fire has claimed the lives of 18 girls aged between 12 and 18.

The final victim was a five-year-old boy, who was the son of the dormintory manager.

More than two dozen students were injured in the blaze.

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken said the police will “conclude this investigation swiftly.”

According to reports by Guyana’s Health Ministry, the death toll has risen to 20 after a 14-year-old girl died of her injuries at a hospital in the capital.

The latest victim has been named as Sherena Daniels – who died early on Tuesday.

Sherena had been in intensive care at a hospital after being airlifted there the morning after the fire on May 22.

Another girl is currently receiving specialist treatment at a burn centre in New York and her condition is improving, according to the ministry.

The defendant is set to return to court on 5 July, when lawyers will decide if they are ready to begin a trial.

The teenager is not required to enter a plea.