Nine trekkers dead in India Tamil Nadu forest fire

Officials state that at least nine trekkers have died in a forest fire in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Authorities state that they have rescued 21 people from the Kurangini hills - a popular trekking destination - where the fire broke out yesterday (March 11). Many of those injured have suffered severe burns and are receiving treatment at a nearby state hospital. The military was deployed to help with rescue efforts after the state government asked for assistance. Six people are still believed to be trapped in the blaze. "It has been difficult to rescue people since the incident occurred in the night and there are landslides in the region." senior official Pallavi Baldev