PM Modi 'anguished' over Surat fire tragedy, asks Gujarat govt to provide all assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed ‘anguish’ over Surat fire tragedy, which has claimed lives of over a dozen people, and asked the Gujarat government 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. 

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2019

At least 15 students have been killed after a massive fire broke out at third and fourth floors of a coaching centre building in Sarthana area of Surat in Gujarat on Friday, said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. In a terriying video surfaced online, people could be seen jumping off the second floor of the building where the fire broke out.

Several students of a coaching class were seen jumping off from windows.

Fire engulfed the third and fourth floors of Taxshila Complex in Sarthana area, said an official at the Surat fire control room.

Nineteen fire tenders and two hydraulic platforms were pressed into service to douse the flames and for rescue operations, he said.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation into the incident. The CM has also declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who died in the incident.