Surat Fire Mishap: 20 students killed, several others injured in fire at coaching centre

Surat Fire Mishap: Close to 20 students were killed and several others were injured in a massive fire that engulfed a coaching centre in Surats’ Takshashila Complex in Sarthana. The fire which started on the ground floor of the building spread to the third and fourth floors where the coaching centre was situated. Most of the students who were killed died due to suffocations while some of them were killed while jumping off windows to protect themselves.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani who expressed his grief over the mishap has reported that 19 students were killed in the accident; on the other hand, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat has claimed that 20 students have been killed in the unfortunate incident. The students who injured themselves in the incident have been shifted to hospitals as per reports.  The Chief Minister was reported saying that most of the students died due to suffocation or from jumping off the building in order to avert the fire. An enquiry has been ordered by the government of Gujarat with the Deputy Chief Minister assuring that the culprits responsible will not be spared.

Disturbing visuals of the massive fire and the students falling off the building trying to save themselves have flooded the various social media platforms.

It is reported that the fire was caused due to a short circuit that emerged on the ground floor and spread all over the building pushing the students towards the roof of the building. As per the statements of the fire officials given to the media, smoke gathered on the top floor where the AC compressors caught fire. Since there were no escape routes for the students they were trapped on the top floor of the building. The fire, however, was put out in an hour. The officials, however, pointed out that there was no safety equipment anywhere in the building.

The Deputy Chief Minister also added that the study centre was run in a shade which was built on the top floor of the building and an enquiry about whether the building was an illegal construction will be done soon.  The fire officials also added that about 10 of the students tried to jump off the building in order to save themselves from the fire and smoke. Locals in the vicinity were also seen helping in putting off the fire and rescue operations.

Following the incident study centres across the state where shut down due to the fire safety inspections which will be held soon. The Chief Minister was reported assuring that all such buildings will be strictly scrutinized.

The Chief Minister of the state also released an official statement which has assured financial help of about 4 Lakh rupees to the families of the children who lost their lives in the fire.