PM Modi, Rajnath condole loss of lives in Surat fire tragedy; Rupani announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday expressed anguish over the fire tragedy at a commercial complex in Gujarat's Surat in which at least 17 students attending a coaching class lost their lives and many others were trapped.

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

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday expressed anguish over the fire tragedy at a commercial complex in Gujarat's Surat in which at least 17 students attending a coaching class lost their lives and many others were trapped. He also asked the Gujarat government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected. "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," 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

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah also condoled the loss of lives in the fire tragedy. "Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives due to fire in Surat. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Singh said.

Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives due to fire in Surat. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 24, 2019

Amit Shah tweeted: "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident in Surat, Gujarat. My condolences with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge our karyakartas of BJP Surat unit to assist the people in need."

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident in Surat, Gujarat. My condolences with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge our karyakartas of BJP Surat unit to assist the people in need.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 24, 2019

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered an investigation into the tragedy and asked Mukesh Puri, Principal Secretary, Urban Development, to rush to Surat. He also declared financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the students who died.

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

At least 17 students of the coaching class were killed when they jumped off the commercial complex after it caught fire, Gujarat Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said. The fire engulfed the third and fourth floor of the Taxshila Complex in Surat. Visuals showed students jumping off the third and fourth floors of the building.