Students jump off building in Surat after massive fire breaks out, 23 dead

Surat: Several students of a coaching class jumped off a commercial complex after it caught fire Friday afternoon, officials said. At least 23 people died in the fire and the death toll may rise, informed Surat Police Commissioner Satish Kumar Mishra.

The fire engulfed the third and fourth floor of the Taxshila Complex here, the official said.

Visuals on TV channels showed students jumping off the third and fourth floors of the building.

Expressing grief over Surat's fire tragedy, 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

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.

"Around 10 students on fourth and third floor jumped off on the ground to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been rescued and sent to 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.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered an investigation into the incident and declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who died in this incident.

Deeply saddened by the news of Surat fire tragedy. Instructed officials to do needful. My prayers are with all those affected. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest. I pray for the departed souls. Om Shanti.

— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) May 24, 2019

Gujarat's CM has declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who died in this incident and has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Expressing grief over the incident, BJP's National Vice President Baijayant 'Jay' Panda tweeted "The horrific scenes of the Surat fire are very distressing, terrible loss of lives. I pray for the families who have lost loved ones, & for the speedy recovery of those injured."

The horrific scenes of the #Surat fire are very distressing, terrible loss of lives.
I pray for the families who have lost loved ones, & for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Om Shanti ???

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) May 24, 2019