Rajkot: At least 20 people, including 9 children, lost their lives after a massive fire broke out at a gaming zone in Rajkot on Saturday.
Several others, including more children, are feared trapped as the entire facility at TRP Game Zone was engulfed in flames, India Today reported.
Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed that 20 bodies have been recovered.
“We are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible. As of now, around 20 bodies have been recovered, and they have been sent to the hospital for further investigation. Thorough investigations will be carried out,” said Bhargava said.
#WATCH | Gujarat: A massive fire breaks out at the TRP game zone in Rajkot. Fire tenders on the spot. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/f4AJq8jzxX
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
Half a dozen fire fighting vehicles rushed to the site to bring the all-consuming blaze under control. Although the fire has been doused, rescue operations are still underway as authorities desperately look for survivors in what is considered to be one of the biggest fires in recent times.
The gaming zone is owned by one Yuvraj Singh Solanki.
“We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. The further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operations here,” the Rajkot Police Commissioner said.
The fire started at a temporary structure at TRP Game Zone, according to a PTI report. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known. A full-fledged inquiry has been ordered, but the immediate priority is rescue operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was ‘extremely distressed’ by the Rajkot mishap.
“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,” Modi wrote on X.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the authorities have been instructed to prioritise arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured.
“Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot,” Patel tweeted.
