At least 21 students died in a massive fire in a commercial building in Surat. The students were attending their tuition class when the fire engulfed the area, supposedly due to a short circuit. “Around ten students trapped on the third and fourth floors jumped from windows to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been rescued and sent to hospital. The operation to douse the fire is on,” said an official at the Surat fire control room.
Coaching centres in Rajkot, Vadodara also to be closed
After Ahmedabad, authorities have ordered closure of coaching centres in Rajkot and Vadodara till proper audit of fire safety systems in commercial buildings are conducted. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad police orders shutting down of coaching classes, dance classes and summer camps as a precautionary measure.
"All Coaching Class, Dance Class, Summer Camp and all such premises which houses children shall be closed until further notice and Fire Safety Compliance Certificate from AMC Fire Department, the Ahmedabad Police said.
It is heartbreaking, says Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav says it is heartbreaking to see the images coming from Gujarat and read the tragic news about the children who have lost their lives at such a young age. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those families affected by the fire and with the people of Surat", he said.
Govt. orders shutdown on tuition centres in Ahmedabad
As a precautionary measure, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner, Vijay Nehra orders shut down of all tuition centres in the city till the fire department audits on fire safety systems in all the buildings are over.
Nadda speaks to Rupani
Union Health Minister J.P.Nadda spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani regarding fire at a coaching centre in Surat and assures all help. The Union Minister also directs the AIIMS trauma centre director to render all help.
Shankarsinh Vaghela seeks Rs. 10 lakh compensation
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela and Nationalist Congress Party leader Shankarsinh Vaghela urges the government to provide Rs. 10 lakh as compensation to the families of the fire victims. "I request the Gujarat Government to grant minimum Rs. 10 lakhs to the families of children who lost their lives in this incident", Mr. Vaghela said in a statement.
Rupani leaves for Surat
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani leaves for Surat to take stock of the situation.
Amit Shah urges BJP cadres to assist in relief measures
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani says about 16 children are under treatment in Surat hospital. Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah too expressed his condolences over the fire tragedy. "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" Mr. Shah said in a statement.
Saddened by the loss of lives in Surat: Ahmed Patel
Congress leader Ahmed Patel appeals to local authorities to provide best possible medical relief to the injured and adequate compensation to families of the deceased. Mr. Patel also asked the authorities to ensure that fire safety measures in are in place across Gujarat. Expressing his condolences, Mr. Patel said: "My thoughts and prayers are with their families".
Rajnath offers condolences
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed his condolences to the victims of the fire tragedy in Surat. "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", Mr. Singh said in a statement.
Fire caused by short-circuit?
The fire that broke out in a commercial building in Surat on Friday was caused by short-circuit, sources said. There were more than 50 students in the tuition class when the tragedy occurred, the sources added. More than a dozen students have been taken to hospital for treatment.
Compensation announced
The building was reportedly not equipped with fire safety equipment. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the urban development department. Mr Rupani also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the family of the deceased.
Modi offers condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed anguish over the fire tragedy in Surat and asked the Gujarat 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,” Modi tweeted
19 fire tenders in place
Several students were seen jumping off a commercial complex after it caught fire, officials said. Visuals on TV channels showed students jumping off the third and fourth floors of the building. Locals were seen helping in the rescue operation to save stranded students as well as other occupants of the four-storey building.
The fire engulfed the third and fourth floor of the Taxshila Complex here, the official said.
A fire official said 19 fire tenders and two hydraulic platforms were pressed into service to douse the fire.
