24 May,2019 06:05 PM IST | Surat | mid-day online desk
Several students of a coaching class jumped off a commercial complex after it caught fire Friday afternoon, officials said. According to reports, 20 students are feared dead in the incident, though no confirmation about any casualties is yet to be confirmed by official sources.
The fire engulfed the third and fourth floor of the Taxshila Complex in Surat, the official said. Visuals on TV channels showed students jumping off the third and fourth floors of the building.
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.
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"Around 10 students on the fourth and third floor jumped off on the ground to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been rescued and sent to the hospital. The operation to douse the fire is on," said a fire official.
In a video clip of the incident, some young students can be seen coming out of the windows of a coaching class and jumping off from the third and fourth floors amid thick smoke coming out from the building.
"Eighteen students have died either due to suffocation or jumping from the building when fire engulfed the commercial complex," Gujarat minister of state for health Kishor Kanani said.
"We have ordered a detailed inquiry and anyone found responsible for the incident won't be spared," Deputy Chief
Minister Nitin Patel said. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered the principal secretary of the Urban Development department to rush to the spot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the incident and has asked the Gujarat Government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected. He tweeted:
Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani also took to Twitter to offer condolences. He wrote:
The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased.
Also Read: Mumbai: Fire breaks out in building at Bhendi Bazaar; 2 dead
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With inputs from PTI
