20 people have been killed after a fire broke out in a coaching centre in Surat in Gujarat. Initial investigation suggests that the fire broke out due to a short circuit.
#Visuals Gujarat: A fire broke out on the second floor of a building in Sarthana area of Surat; 18 fire tenders at the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/iY0O588Pom
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2019
The Gujarat CM has ordered an investigation into the incident and declared help of Rs.4 lakh each to the bereaved families of the victims.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani visits hospital to meet those injured in fire at coaching centre in Surat; says, “I’m told that due to fire in the staircase, several people jumped from the 4th floor of the building to escape. Have ordered enquiry”. 20 people have died in the incident pic.twitter.com/h27hRa2Iav
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2019
The casualties, mostly young students died either due to suffocation or because they jumped off the burning building. The students were attending their tuition class when fire occurred due to short circuit.
Disturbing visuals from the site, show helpless children jumping off the building, to escape the fire.
PM Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the incident and assured action.
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
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 24, 2019
As a precautionary measure, all coaching centres, dance classes and summer camps have been closed until they get an NOC from the Fire Safety Department.
As a precautionary step, 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. @ipsvipul_ @vnehra @AmdavadAMC
— Ahmedabad Police (@AhmedabadPolice) May 24, 2019
An investigation is underway to investigate whether the coaching centre had the necessary permits to carry its operations.
