Theni, March 12:  The Theni forest fire has claimed the lives of at least 9 trekkers who were trapped in the forest after the massive fire that broke out in the forest late in Sunday evening. According to the report in Deccan Chronicle, people who lost their lives in the fire includes four women, four men and a child.

A total of 37 trekkers were trapped in the fire, mostly students. 27 people have been rescued and 10 of them reportedly have minor injuries, whereas 8 have sustained serious injuries in the fire.

"They camped in an estate and were returning when the fire broke out in the forest. I haven't got information on the casualty. Fifteen people have received burn injuries," she said. Earlier on Sunday, 15 students trapped in a forest fire near the hills were rescued by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"Just now I have spoken to District Collector. He communicated that 10-15 students have been rescued. They are coming down from the hill. Operation continues," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharman said.

The IAF was pressed into action by the Defence Minister after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami sought help on the matter. Sitharaman had said that the Southern Command was in touch with the Collector of Theni.

The rescue operations are underway and further details including the detailed cause of the fire is awaited. The District Collector is constantly in touch with the Air Force and other authorities regarding the rescue operations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 12, 2018 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).