Deadly India forest fire

A forest fire that began on March 11 in the Kurangani hills in southern India’s Tamul Nadu state resulted in the deaths of 18 trekkers, nine of them on the scene. Rescue workers managed to evacuate 21 people, many with injuries. Of those evacuated, nine succumbed to their wounds.

The Kurangani hills are a popular hiking spot for Indians and foreign visitors. The 30 hikers were members of a trekking club and were accused of entering the forest without permission. The hike leader was arrested. Group members insist that they paid the park fee at the entrance and were there legally. 

The cause of the fire was not known as of press time.