An administration block at a Soshanguve secondary school was ravaged by an apparent explosion and fire on Monday morning.

The Gauteng education department confirmed the incident at Amogelang Secondary School in Soshanguve.

MEC Panyaza Lesufi said members of the community said they heard a loud bang which sounded like an explosion coming from the school. Subsequently, a fire broke out in the administration block.

“Fire fighters attended the scene and managed to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately the administration block was burnt down. Sadly, there was nothing to salvage from this unfortunate incident.

“The fire destroyed files, photocopy machines, computers, printers and other items. Fortunately, nutrition and learners' scripts were stored elsewhere,” Lesufi said.

The extent of the loss is still to be determined.

The fire department has launched an investigation to determine the cause of fire. Police were also on scene and are investigating.

“ It looks like this was a break-in because some of the locks and doors were broken.

“We appeal to anyone who might have information on this unfortunate act to share it with the police. It is disappointing that yet another school has been destroyed by fire,” Lesufi said.