Surat: The death toll in Friday’s devastating blaze in Surat rose to 23 by Saturday, even as seven students battled for survival in hospitals, officials said.
Two of the injured students were on ventilator and five admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The condition of four others was reported to be stable.
Most of the students who were killed in the fire at an arts coaching centre on the top floor of a four-storey building were between the age of 14 and 17. Some were expecting their Class 12 results Saturday.
Officials informed that the fire started at the ground floor and reached the top floor. Some students at another class, rushed to the terrace to escape the fire and found themselves stuck there.
According to witnesses, there must have been around 50 students in the Takshashila Arcade building when it caught fire.
Graphic videos on social media showed over 10 students jumping from the third and fourth storey, which was actually a covered terrace, to escape the blaze and the billowing smoke.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered the principal secretary of the Urban Development department to rush to the spot.
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
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 said he was “extremely anguished” by the fire tragedy in his home state.
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