A tragic fire occurred at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, resulting in the death of a minimum of several individuals and causing injuries to numerous others.
A fire started at a gaming area in Rajkot, Gujarat, around 4.30 pm on May 25, leading to casualties, including children. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi informed ANI during his visit to the site on May 26 that an investigation by an SIT had been started.
In an interaction with the media, Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said, “FIR was registered against 6 people under IPC sections 304, 308, 336, 338, 114. Out of which 2 people have been arrested. The crime branch team is working to arrest others.
Rescue efforts lasted more than six hours at the location where a fire broke out in a building constructed with metal and fiber sheets for gaming purposes. Rajkot district collector Prabhav Joshi stated that a few bodies were so badly burned that they could not be identified, so DNA samples from both the victims’ bodies and their family members were taken to a laboratory in Gandhinagar for identification purposes. Officials stated that the fire was caused by a short-circuit. Authorities have also verified that the two-story structure lacked a fire safety permit or a request for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the TRP amusement park.
Scheme led people to death trap
Sources reported that the Gamezone experienced a huge influx of people because of the Rs 99 promotion. The fee for entry was reduced from Rs 500 to Rs 99 in order to draw in more vacationers and weekend guests. Therefore, around 300 individuals had gathered at the Gamezone.
It has been revealed that Gamezone management failed to acquire a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). In order to skip the need for city permits, the Gamezone was established in a small building, and a three-story building was opened with just a ride certificate. The individuals in charge of issuing these certificates have now disappeared.
PM Modi and CM Bhupendra Patel condemns the Incident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his sorrow about the incident in Rajkot where a fire at a gaming zone resulted in the death of 24 individuals, including kids, on Saturday evening. Modi offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased and hoped for a quick recovery of the injured.
In a recent X post, the prime minister confirmed that efforts are underway by the local government to aid those impacted.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2024
“Rajkot is facing extreme distress due to the fire accident.” I send my condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. Thoughts and well wishes for those who are hurt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the local government is making efforts to offer maximum support to those impacted.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel briefed the prime minister on the ongoing efforts to provide every possible aid.
We are all saddened by the tragic fire incident in Rajkot. During a recent phone call, Gujarat CM Bhupendra bhai Patel Ji informed me about the ongoing efforts to provide assistance to those affected, Modi said in a separate post.
Bhupendra Patel directed the city administration to promptly conduct rescue and relief efforts following the fire incident.
The Municipal Corporation and administration have been directed to initiate immediate rescue and relief operations in response to the fire incident at the game zone in Rajkot. Patel posted on X that arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured should be given top priority.
Patel reassured that the state government will help the impacted families by providing ₹4 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Additionally, he revealed the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Opposition slams govt over ‘negligence’ in fire incident at Rajkot amusement park
In a video released after the fire at the indoor game zone, Gujarat Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil mentioned that children were burnt to ashes, and it is believed that their bodies cannot be recognized, possibly necessitating DNA testing. If incidents like the collapse of the Morbi bridge in 2022, the Palanpur bridge incident last year, the Vadodara boat capsize in January, and the fire at a Surat building in 2019 are not considered negligence, then what can be classified as negligence?
Does the BJP, with its 156 seats in the Gujarat Assembly, not have to answer for their actions? The High Court has consistently instructed the government to ensure thorough preparations for fire safety. It is impossible for any compensation to bring a person back. What actions is the administration taking? He questioned whether it was not the responsibility of the BJP since they are present in the corporation, state, and Centre.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as “distressing”. I offer my sympathy to the families that are mourning. He wrote on X that he hopes all the injured people recover quickly.
राजकोट, गुजरात में एक मॉल के गेमिंग ज़ोन में लगी भयंकर आग से मासूम बच्चों समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार बहुत ही पीड़ादायक है।
सभी शोकाकुल परिजनों को अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं। सभी घायलों के जल्द से जल्द स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।
कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं से अनुरोध…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 25, 2024
Gandhi called on party workers to assist the administration in the rescue efforts. I urge the party members to assist in rescue efforts in every way possible. He also anticipates that the state government and administration will guarantee justice for the impacted families through a thorough and unbiased investigation,” he mentioned.
Describing the event as “incredibly tragic”, Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader, stated on X: “I offer my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the event.” May god grant strength to the impacted families and assist in the speedy recovery of the injured individuals.”
राजकोट के मॉल में लगी आग की ये घटना बेहद दुखद है। इस हादसे में जिन्होंने अपनों को खो दिया उन सभी परिवारों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएँ हैं, ईश्वर सभी परिवारों को हिम्मत दें और घायलों को जल्द स्वस्थ करें। https://t.co/jBJYWBG62K
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 25, 2024
