Nine killed in Tamil Nadu forest fire, Indian Air Force deployed for rescue efforts

A forest fire in Tamil Nadu's Kurangani Hills claimed nine lives. Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Indian Air Force was deployed for rescue efforts. Around 27 other trekkers were rescued from the blaze. Rescue efforts began immediately to control the blaze and contain it. The trekking group of eight men, 25 women and three children had camped in the hills on March 10. They were supposed to return on March 11, but got trapped in the fire. A Tamil Nadu Forest Department said that the trek organisers had not obtained permission for the mission.