20 students killed as fire breaks out in coaching centre in Surat, many jump off from terrace

Surat, May 24: Twent people were reportedly killed after a fire broke out on the second floor of a commercial complex at Surat's Sarthana.

Passersby captured on camera the horrifying moments of nearly a dozen teens trying to escape plumes of thick smoke rising from the building and slipping. A few also jumped off while some were seen on videos trying to grab a large banner on the side of the building as they plummeted down.

Surat Police Commissioner Satish Kumar Mishra said,''At least 15 people have died in the fire. Death toll may rise.''

Gujarat CMO on fire at a coaching centre in Sarthana area of Surat said,''Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation into the incident. CM has also declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of children who died in this incident.''

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani regarding fire at a coaching centre in Surat and assured all help. The Union Minister also directed the AIIMS trauma centre director to render all help.Rupani said the injured are being treated in various hospitals near the incident site.

Rupani, who ordered an investigation into the incident by Mukesh Puri, principal secretary in the urban development department, later rushed to Surat. He also ordered a fire safety audit of schools, colleges and coaching centres across the state, and visited the injured children in hospitals.

"We have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. We will not spare those found guilty," said Patel. Coaching classes at the centre were run in a shade built on the top floor of the building, he said, adding they "will check if the construction was illegal".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said,''Extremely anguished by the fire tragedy in Surat. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly, I've asked the Gujarat govt & local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected.''

Shocking visuals of the accident have emerged where people can be seen jumping from the second floor and the terrace to save their lives.