Surat fire: 19 killed in coaching centre blaze, horrific visuals show kids falling off burning building

At least 19 people were killed and several others injured in a fire at a coaching centre in Sarthana area of Surat in Gujarat. The coaching centre was located on the third and fourth floors of the Taxshila Complex.

Fifteen people have died in the fire, toll may rise, Surat Police Commissioner Satish Kumar Mishra had told ANI earlier.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation into the incident. The chief minister has also declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who died in this incident, an official statement from CM office said.

A video tweeted by a local journalists shows students jumping out of the second floor windows.

The fire has been doused and rescue operations are underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the incident and directed authorities to provide all possible help.

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, PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted on the deadly fire. Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives due to fire in Surat. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Rajnath Singh said in a tweet.

A fire official said 19 fire tenders and two hydraulic platforms were pressed into service to douse the fire. Locals were seen helping in the rescue operation to save stranded students as well as other occupants of the four-storey building.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gujarat-surat-coaching-centre-fire-casualties-injured-fire-department-live-updates-1533860-2019-05-24