At least 27 people lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out at a games arcade in Rajkot, located in the western state of Gujarat.
The inferno, which erupted on Saturday, engulfed the amusement park, leaving several victims, including children, trapped under the wreckage.
Local officials reported that flames and a massive pall of smoke could be seen billowing from the building, creating a scene of chaos and despair. The fire, now under control, prompted an immediate search and rescue operation amid fears that more victims might be trapped inside.
The identification of the heavily burned bodies has proven challenging, according to local police. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the formation of a special investigation team to determine the cause of the fire.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. "Extremely distressed by the fire in Rajkot. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. Prayers for the injured," Modi stated on social media platform X.
The amusement park, typically bustling with families and children enjoying weekend activities, became a scene of devastation. Footage from the site showed firefighters navigating through the debris of collapsed tin roof structures that housed attractions such as bowling, go-karting, and trampolines.
Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed the recovery of 20 bodies and indicated that an offense of negligence would be registered against the park's private owner, Yuvraj Singh Solanki. “We will be registering an offense for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation,” Bhargava stated.
Fires are a recurrent hazard in India, often exacerbated by the lax enforcement of building laws and safety regulations. This latest disaster has once again highlighted the urgent need for stringent adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.
