The forest fire has been reported from Tamil Nadu's Theni
Chennai:
Highlights
Over 30 students are caught in a forest fire at Theni in Tamil Nadu
Police: 10 - 15 students have been rescued
Defence Minister: Southern Command is in touch with Collector of Theni
Over 30 people, mostly students, were caught in a massive forest fire in Theni district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening. The students were caught in the fire while they were trekking to Kurangani hills. The air force has been pressed into service for rescue operations, which has already been started by locals and forest personnel, who have reached the site, say police.
A MI-17 chopper of the Indian Air Force is already on its way from Sulur, to assess the situation say sources in the defence ministry. An aerial survey will first be done to gauge the extent of damage.
On a request from Chief Minister Palanisami, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman instructed the Indian Air Force to help in rescue and evacuation of students.
Students caught in Tamil Nadu forest fire being rescued
"Southern Command is in touch with the Collector of Theni," tweeted the Defence Minister and 10-15 students have been rescued. They are already on their way down, Ms Sitharaman said.
A senior police officer has told NDTV, that 27 students from Chennai had gone for trekking but "they did not take permission from police or the forest department."
