Over twenty people, including children, were killed in a massive fire that broke out at a game zone in Gujarat's Rajkot city on Saturday evening, officials said. It has been told that the blaze erupted at a temporary structure at the TRP game zone, and among the victims were children who were present at the spot in large numbers due to ongoing summer vacation. Several others were feared trapped inside pnn Saturday night.
The owner of the gaming zone Yuvraj Singh Solanki, has been taken into police custody. Earlier, Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava mentioned that Solanki would be charged for negligence.
Gujarat Gaming Zone fire: How did the govt respond?
Taking cognisance of the situation, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured. The CM also assured that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the entire incident.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tweeted, "The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured. In this regard, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and assigned to investigate the entire incident."
Earlier he said that the city administration had been instructed to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations at the game zone.
"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. It has been instructed to prioritise arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured," Patel tweeted.
Rajkot fire: About rescue operation
As per media reports, four fire brigade vehicles have been deployed to douse the flame before initiating a rescue operation. Efforts to control the fire and rescue any trapped individuals were underway on Saturday night. However, what caused the fire is yet to be ascertained.
According to said Rajkot Collector Prabhav Joshi, “Around 4.15 pm, the control room received a call about a fire in Game Zone. Immediately fire brigades and ambulances were sent to the site. Smoke is still coming out from the building. 16 deaths have been confirmed till now.”
Gujarat Gaming Zone fire: What did the police say?
Initially commenting on the situation, Raju Bhargava, Police Commissioner, Rajkot, said, "Fire broke out in the TRP gaming zone in the afternoon. The rescue operations are on. The fire is under control. 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. Investigations will be carried out. The gaming zone is owned by a person called 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."
Rajkot Gaming Zone fire: Reactions pouring in from leaders
Expressing concern over the tragic incident, President Doupadi Murmu tweeted,"I am deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. 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."
Taking it to X, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "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 fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected", Modi further added.
Upon learning about the tragedy in Rajkot's Gaming Zone that killed many including children, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "Shocked to know about the devastating fire at Rajkot, Gujarat, resulting in tragic loss of several lives. The fire at the game zone has reportedly trapped many others which is also unnerving. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy. My sincere condolences."
