DHAKA: At least nine people died in a forest fire in Kurangani hills in Tamil Nadu of India Sunday (March 11), reports Times of India.

As many as 36 trekkers-- 24 from Chennai, including 23 women, and 12 from Tiruppur, including three women and three children-- were caught in the fire on Sunday afternoon, officials Monday (MARCH 12).

Six of the nine deceased trekkers were from Chennai while the rest were from Tiruppur area.

Forest officials said the trekkers tried to take refuge inside a dried up stream but the dried grass in the stream quickly caught fire. The district collector said some of them fell into a pit.

After massive rescue operations led by the India Air Force team, 21 people were rescued. They were sent to different local hospitals for treatment.

BDST: 1329 HRS, MAR 12, 2018
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