Tamil Nadu forest fire: The Indian Air Force has sent its teams for rescue operations in Theni.
Nine trekkers who were caught in the forest fire in Tamil Nadu's Theni district have died of burns. Officials said thirty have been rescued so far.
The rescued trekkers were brought to the plains and taken to various hospitals for treatment. The Indian Air Force has sent its teams for rescue operations. The fire broke out in the Kurangini hills in Theni district, when a group of 25 women and three children was returning from a trek organised by the Chennai Trekking Club to mark Women's Day. On their way back on Sunday, the group was trapped on a hillock, surrounded by fire.
Here are the updates on rescue efforts in Tamil Nadu forest fire:
Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam: Trekkers did not seek permission or inform the forest department
Madurai District Collector Veeraraghava Rao said medical teams comprising plastic surgeons have been deployed to provide treatment at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami is rushing to Theni to oversee rescue operations.
TN Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan to NDTV on injured trekkers:
10 trekkers with high degrees burns shifted to Madurai GH
Multi-disciplinary including plastic surgeons attending .
We are doing our best
Many had also inhaled smoke . Some have deep burn injuries
16 Garuds walked up & reached there at 3 am. They rescued few people at night. At the moment, the garuds are trying to lift the dead bodies to a higher plain. 2 helicopters will bring the bodies down. One helicopter has doused the fire: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Nine trekkers dead in Theni forest fire, says the District Collector
Kamal Haasan tweets: Kurangani forest fire and its victims is heart rending. Those with burn injuries should heal fast. I wish them all the best for recovery and rehabilitation. To those bereived families my deepest sympathy.