Surat: Massive fire at coaching centre kills 20 students, many jumped to death

Students were seen jumping out of fourth floor of the building to escape the blaze. (Photo/ANI)

Surat Takshila Complex Fire: At least 20 students were killed in a massive fire which broke out at a commercial complex in Gujarat’s Surat on Friday. According to reports, the fire started on the second floor of Takshila Commercial Complex situated in Sarthana area of the city. The fire soon engulfed the building blocking all exit routes. Surat Police Commissioner Satish Kumar Mishra said that the death toll may rise.

Television images showed several students who were present inside a coaching centre on the fourth floor of the building jumping out in panic. Eye-witnesses said at least 50 students were present in the coaching institute when the fire broke out. Initial investigations point towards short circuit as the cause of the fire.

It took the local police and 18 fire tenders more than an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Gujarat minister of state for health Kishor Kanani said that the students either died due to suffocation or jumping from the building to escape the raging fire.

“We have ordered a detailed inquiry and anyone found responsible for the incident won’t be spared,” Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.

PM Modi expresses anguish

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish over the tragic incident. PM Modi said he has directed the Gujarat government and the local administration to  take all measures to provide relief to those injured in the incident.

“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,” the PM tweeted.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation into the incident. Rupani has also declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who have been killed.

Rupani also visited the hospital to meet those injured in the incident. “I am told that due to fire in the staircase, several people jumped from the fourth floor of the building to escape. Have ordered enquiry into the incident,” the Gujarat CM said.