A fire at a commercial complex in Surat, Gujarat resulted in the deaths of several students on Friday. While some reports say at least 20 were killed, others estimate at least 16.
On Friday, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said at least 15 students of a coaching class were killed when they jumped off a commercial complex in Surat after it caught fire that afternoon.
“Fifteen students have died either due to suffocation or jumping from the building when fire engulfed the commercial complex,” Patel said.
“We have ordered a detailed inquiry and anyone found responsible for the incident won’t be spared,” Patel said.
“Around 10 students on the fourth and third floor jumped off to the ground to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been sent to hospital. The operation to douse the fire is on,” a city fire official was quoted as saying by PTI.
A fire official told PTI that 19 fire tenders and two hydraulic platforms were pressed into service to douse the fire.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered the principal secretary of the Urban Development department to rush to the spot.
He also declared financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the family members of those who died in the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish and asked the Gujarat government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
BJP president Amit Shah expressed his condolences and urged the party workers to assist the people in need.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.
(With PTI inputs)