Massive Fire Erupts at Rajkot Game Zone
A massive fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening has killed twenty-seven people, including children. ACP Vinayak Patel, one of the first responders on the scene, said, “The bodies are completely charred, making identification difficult.”
Police officials have arrested TRP Gaming Zone manager Nitin Jha and partner Yuvraj Singh Solanki in connection with the incident. Reports indicate that around 4:30 p.m., a temporary structure in the gaming zone collapsed, causing a fire that engulfed the building. Officials are currently investigating whether the game zone was operating without a valid fire NOC and other necessary fire safety equipment.
Rajkot Fire Brigade officials reported that initially, four fire brigade vehicles arrived on the scene. However, after the temporary structure around the game zone collapsed, two more engines were dispatched to help control the fire.
A few hours after the initial call, rescue officials recovered several badly burned bodies, which have been sent to Rajkot Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Darshita Shah, MLA of Rajkot West, stated, “Today we witnessed a deeply tragic incident. It marks the first time in Rajkot’s history that a fire in a gaming zone has resulted in fatalities, including children. Our priority is the swift rescue of as many individuals as possible. The government will take decisive action against those whose negligence contributed to this tragedy.”
PM Modi expresses concern over the Rajkot Game Zone fire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “I am extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
President Draupadi Murmu expressed her deep anguish over the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. She conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, including young children. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured and are being rescued.
રાજકોટમાં આગની દુર્ઘટના હૃદય કંપાવનારી છે. આ ઘટનામાં જીવ ગુમાવનાર વ્યક્તિઓ અને તેમના પરિવારજનો પ્રત્યે આત્મીય સંવેદના વ્યક્ત કરું છું. ઈજાગ્રસ્તો સત્વરે સાજા થાય તેવી ઈશ્વરને પ્રાર્થના કરું છું.
રાજ્ય સરકાર મૃતકોના પરિવારજનોને રૂપિયા ૪ લાખ અને ઈજાગ્રસ્તોને રૂપિયા ૫૦ હજારની સહાય…
— Bhupendra Patel (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Bhupendrapbjp) May 25, 2024
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the Municipal Corporation and the Rajkot administration have been ordered to immediately commence rescue and relief operations following the deadly fire incident at the game zone.
He also announced that the state government will offer ₹4 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured as compensation for the terrible tragedy. He also called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.
Union Minister Amit Shah addressed the public via X, conveying his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the tragic incident. Additionally, he issued orders for comprehensive inspections of all other gaming zones in the state. These inspections aim to ensure the presence of valid fire NOCs and adequate fire safety equipment at each site.
Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire indicates negligence in high-traffic areas
The incident early on Saturday has underscored the lack of necessary fire safety equipment and valid fire NOCs in many of Rajkot’s high-traffic areas. One of Rajkot’s busiest gaming zones, the TRP Gaming Zone, used to attract nearly 15,000 gaming enthusiasts every week, until the tragic event on Saturday.
The Gujarat government has instructed police officials to conduct immediate inspections of all other game zones and high-traffic recreation centres in the state.
Police officials have filed charges of death by negligence against the game zone manager and partner, and legal proceedings will commence after the total death toll is determined.
