Theni forest fire: Around 15 students rescued, IAF services roped in; many suspected to be trapped

“Commandos from the base are in Theni District & are working with local authorities to undertake an overnight rescue operation & provide First Aid to the students injured. There will be full efforts to evacuate all trapped by tonight. Remaining students, if any, shall be evacuated via @IAF_MCC helicopter by first light in the morning. Any students seriously injured will be directly flown to Madurai,” Defence Ministry said on Twitter. Fire tenders and ambulances have also been rushed to the spot. Follow Tamil Nadu fire LIVE UPDATES

“Action has been taken to safely rescue the fire victims in the Kurangani hills. I have ordered the Forest Minister to step up rescue operations,” CM K. Palaniswami wrote on Twitter. The rescued people are being treated at a primary health centre.

Theni Collector Pallavi with rescued students

Two air force choppers have been deployed in the area. Sources said rescue operations may be difficult in the night due to low visibility and tough terrain.  Read in Malayalam

Police said the students from Coimbatore and Erode were taking training in Kurangai-Kozhuku Hill area when the fire suddenly broke out around noon. The fire department got information about the fire at around 3 pm, reported news agency IANS. “One of the trekking team members called 108 Ambulance Service and alerted about their situation. The ambulance service then called us,” the official said. Read in Tamil