At least 27, including 9 children, dead as massive fire engulfs gaming zone in Rajkot

At least 27, including nine children, lost their lives asa massive fire broke out at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat on Saturday (May 25), police said. The owner of the gaming zone and two others were arrested.

"The bodies are completely charred and it is difficult to identify them," Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinayak Patel said as family members of the victims gathered outside Rajkot Civil Hospital.

In a post on X, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the state government will provide Rs 4 lakh (approx $ 4,800) to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 (approx $600) to the injured.

The chief minister also said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and assigned to investigate the entire incident.The team was seen collecting samples from the incident spot.

The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained.

President Droupadi Murmu said she was "deeply anguished" to learn of the loss of lives. She said, "My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones including young children. I pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of those being rescued."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, "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."

Darshita Shah, MLA, Rajkot West expressed condolences. She said: "A very sad incident took place today. This is the first time in Rajkot's history that a fire in a gaming zone has led to the deaths of people, including children."

"The focus is on rescuing as many as possible. The government will act against people whose negligence led to this tragedy," Shah added.

#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

In the immediate aftermath, the Gujarat chief minister said that "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. Officials have also been instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured".

(With inputs from agencies)