Four young trekkers charred to death in forest fire in Theni

CHENNAI: Four students who were part of a large group of trekkers were charred to death in a forest fire in Kurugumalai area in Tamil Nadu's Theni on Sunday.

Madurai circle conservator of forests RK Jagenia confirmed the death of four people to TOI and said that the group came from Suriyanelli in Munnar to a private estate in Kozhukkumalai in Bodinayakkanur. While descending the slopes, the group was caught in a major fire.


Assistant conservator of forests Mahendran said that the group, in a state of panic, strayed from the trekking path and landed up in a gully which is narrow. The area is fully covered with tall lemon grass, which can easily catch fire. The cause of fire was not clearly known.

Two people have been safely rescued and sent to Bodi for treatment, he said.

The rescue of others struck in the area has become very difficult due lack of adequate lighting facilities.

According to a senior official, this is not the right time for trekking activities in Theni forest division as the area is prone to frequent fires.

"A study by the forest department shows that Agamalai West, Periathukombai, Oothamparai and Ulakkaruthiar in the Bodi North hills are some of the areas where incidents of fire occur every dry season. Trekking in these areas has to be avoided," the official said.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched a massive operation to rescue others caught in fire.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was approached by chief minister K Palaniswami for help, said 10-15 students were making their way to the foothills (after being rescued).

In a series of tweets, she also said two helicopters of the Indian Air Force from its Sulur base near Coimbatore were being sent to assist in the rescue operations.

The trekking club which organised the trek is based in Chennai. Anxious parents were seen waiting for news of their children, some of them software professionals. Government taking all efforts to rescue trekkers trapped in Forest fire, says Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said

Forest minister has rushed to the spot. Government would order a thorough probe on unauthorised trek into the forest, says Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said.

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