Tragedy at a tuition centre in India

 

At least 19 students have died in a fire at a tuition centre in the western city of Surat in India.

Most of the victims were teenagers who had been studying at a tuition centre.

The initial cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Officials said the blaze spread through packed classrooms because of flammable roofing.

At least 20 others sustained serious injuries and were being treated in hospital in Gujarat.

Local officials said most of the students lost their life both because of the fire and jumping out of the building.

All of the dead were aged below 20 years and many were trapped because the fire began near the staircase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on Twitter and called for local authorities to help.

 

Via BBC