India
Death toll likely to increase
Updated : May 24, 2019, 07:11 PM IST
A massive fire broke out at Takshilla arcade complex in Surat on Friday evening. The complex had a coaching centre where students were attending classes when the fire broke out. At least eighteen people have been killed in the mishap. According to primary reports, a fire broke out owing to a short circuit. 24 fire engines are currently trying to douse the fire.
#Visuals Gujarat: A fire broke out on the second floor of a building in Sarthana area of Surat; 18 fire tenders at the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/iY0O588Pom
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2019
According to videos that have gone viral on social media, people are seen jumping from windows to escape the blaze. Death toll is likely to increase. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation in the matter and has ordered to give Rs 4 ex-gratia to the families of the deceased. The death toll has been confirmed by Surat Police Commissioner. Most of the deceased are likely to be students. Most of the students are said to be between the ages of 14 and 17. Some of the deceased are teachers. "Students on fourth and third floor jumped off to the ground to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been rescued and sent to hospital. The operation to douse the fire is on," said a fire official.Fire has been contained now.
Prime Minister has tweeted:
Extremely anguished by the fire tragedy in Surat. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. Have asked the Gujarat Government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2019
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