University of Guyana (UG) students were sent dashing from the institution’s 24-hour library last night after two bags of books mysteriously burst into flames on the second floor.

When Stabroek News visited the UG Library shortly after 9 pm, besides a small group of students gathered at the library entrance, things appeared normal. A few minutes later two fire hydrants appeared on the scene.

A student told this newspaper that shortly before 9 pm library occupants became alarmed when two bags of books “mysteriously burst into flames”. Another quick thinking student grabbed the bags and dumped them out a nearby window. “Everything happened so quickly,” the university student said, “we never even evacuated the building. Besides the two bags there was no damage to anything in the library.”

It is still not clear whether the two bags of books, which reportedly burst into flames, were UG property. Police remained at the scene well after 9 pm questioning library staff and students. Stabroek News was unable to speak to any library or university officials about the incident and police refused to comment when questioned.

“We’re just happy nothing happened here tonight,” another student said.

The university library remained closed up to 10 last night as police carried out their investigations.