The deadly Theni Forest fire that began Sunday night has reached an alarming death toll of 11 people! We had reported yesterday that a newly married couple who had gotten married 4 months back had come on a pleasure trekking trip to Kurangani forest in Theni district when the fire occurred; Husband Vivek immediately passed away and Divya was in critical condition at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. News just in that the wife has passed away as well!

Divya (29) and Vivek (27), were childhood friends who later fell in love and wanted to marry. The two were planning to settle in Dubai. With no support from their families who did not want them to marry they were forced to run away and get married with the help of their friends a few months back. Their friends Thamilchelvan and Kannan stepped in to help. Thamilchelvan passed away in the fire along with Divya’s husband Vivek and now that Divya has also passed away, Kannan is battling for his life at the Rajaji Hospital Madurai. Nobody from both Divya and Vivek’s family has come to the hospital.

Although one organizer, Rajesh, was arrested, according to The Indian Express, the trek was organized by different independent groups. The Chennai Trekking Club is right now closed with many members unreachable.

Minister Paneerselvam was seen at the hospital visiting the burn victims:

 

#KuranganiForestFire #TheniForestfire pic.twitter.com/8Ug7tOUmko

— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) March 12, 2018

 

Prime Minister Modi reached out on a tweet:

 

My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Theni forest fire. I hope that those who are injured recover soon.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2018

 

Visuals from the scene: