Atleast 24 people, including 9 children, have died after a massive fire broke out at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday.
The entire gaming facility was engulfed in fire, leaving many people—including children—fearfully trapped.
Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed that around 20 bodies have been recovered from the gamezone facility.
“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,” he said.
He said that the gaming zone is owned by a person, identified as Yuvraj Sinh Solanki, and has been arrested. There are four owners in total. Reportedly, the owner took no fire NOC to run the gaming facility.
“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 added.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the authorities have been directed to give priority to making arrangements for the injured individuals’ immediate medical attention.
“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,” posted on X (formally Twitter).
In addition, Patel declared that the families of the deceased victims would get an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each, while the injured would receive Rs 50,000.
Further, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the precise cause of the incident.
Following expressing his concern of the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government is making every effort to help people affected.
“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,” he posted on X.
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