Major fire in a building in Surat leaves at least 18 students dead
24 May 2019
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At least 18 students were dead in a major fire that broke out in a building in Gujarat's Surat that housed a coaching institute at the top floor when the students jumped from the building in panic.
Both students and teachers were killed in the fire that broke out in the afternoon when classes of a coaching institute were being held in the top floor of the Takshashila Arcade building, Ss many as 20 students jumped from the building. Some of them are said to be in critical condition. Most of the students are said to be between the ages of 14 and 17. More than 50 students were inside the building when the mishap took place and 20 students have been safely evacuated from the building. The injured have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
More than 24 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. More than 20 people are still stuck inside the building.
The fire broke out on the second floor of the building.
According to the Surat Mayor, eight bodies have been retrieved from the building. As per the initial investigation, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the building. The fire has been brought under control now. The cooling operation is going on. After cooling off, the reason for the fire will be ascertained.
The Takshashila Arcade is a four-storeyed commercial and residential building. The building also houses several residential flats that were also affected by the fire.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced a compensation of Rs4 lakh each to the families of the children who died in this incident. The state government has asked for an investigation into the matter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and asked the state government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected. "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," tweeted PM Modi.
BJP president Amit Shah has also expressed his condolences. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident in Surat, Gujarat. My condolences with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge our karyakartas of BJP Surat unit to assist the people in need," tweeted Shah.
