Surat building fire: Death toll touches 19

Several videos posted on the social media showed people jumping down from the top of the four-storey building to save their lives.

The deceased included mostly students.

"The fire started near the staircase, so they could not get down,"  Joint Commissioner of Police Harikrishna Patel was quoted as saying by NDTV.

"Some of these students are critical but the crowd managed to save their lives," Darshana Jardosh, the parliamentarian from Surat, told the news channel.

The first was first reported around 3:30 pm.

It completely engulfed the first two floors of the commercial building known as Takshashila Arcade, located in  Sarthana area.

The exact cause of the fire is still not known.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

He said he had directed the Gujarat government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those hit by the fire tragedy.

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Extremely anguished by the fire tragedy in Surat. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. Have asked the Gujarat Government and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected."

As many as 19 fire engines were sent to the spot. Local people also took part in the fire fighting operation. 

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the news of Surat fire tragedy. Instructed officials to do needful. My prayers are with all those affected. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest. I pray for the departed souls. Om Shanti."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP chief were among the top leaders of the nation who condoled the loss of lives in the incident.