Rajkot Fire: 27 Killed in Indoor Game Zone Blaze; Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Visits Site and Injured
26.05.2024: A devastating fire broke out at an indoor game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, late Saturday night, resulting in the tragic death of at least 27 people, including four children. The fire has led to the detainment of four individuals, including the co-owner and manager of the facility, for operating the building without proper fire clearance.
Tragic Incident Details
The fire, suspected to have been caused by a short-circuit, engulfed the two-storey structure made of metal and fibre sheets, leading to a prolonged rescue operation that lasted over six hours. Rajkot district collector Prabhav Joshi reported that some bodies were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA matching for identification. Of the 27 deceased, 25 have been identified so far.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep distress over the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.” The President also expressed her anguish over the incident.
Investigation and Detainments
The state government has assigned a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Among those detained are the co-owner and manager of the game zone, which operated without a fire clearance or an application for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the TRP amusement park’s owner.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations continued at the site for several hours after the blaze erupted. Rajkot district collector Prabhav Joshi stated that DNA samples from the victims and their kin were taken and flown to Gandhinagar for matching to aid in the identification process.
Official Visits and Statements
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site of the fire and the injured in the hospital, ensuring that the state government provides all necessary assistance to the victims’ families and those affected by the blaze.