Major forest fire in TN: Over 20 students trapped, rescue operations underway
![Indian Air Force has been instructed to help in rescue operations and evacuation. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Indian Air Force has been instructed to help in rescue operations and evacuation. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)](https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/images.asianage.com/images/aa-Cover-femhg1fir4pt6aj9m1fn735ho0-20180311194132.Medi.jpeg)
Theni: Over 20 students, who were on a trekking expedition, are reported to be trapped in a major forest fire in Tamil Nadu's Theni district.
On a request from chief minister E Palanisamy, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has instructed the Indian Air Force to help in rescue operations and evacuation of students.
Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam has also rushed to the spot.
Conservator of forests, Madurai circle, R K Jegania said that the students from the college had not obtained permission for trekking, according to a Times of India report.
Theni district collector Pallavi Baldev ruled out any causality at the moment.
The district collector also informed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that 10-15 students have been rescued and are being brought down from the hill.
More details in the incident are awaited.