The fatality count from the conflagration in Gujarat’s Rajkot Gaming Zone has ascended to 28, according to sources on Sunday. Swift measures were enacted, and the inferno was subdued. Efforts to rescue those ensnared within the gaming precinct are ongoing.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived in Rajkot, visiting the site on Sunday morning to assess the circumstances.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who had earlier inspected the locale, mentioned that one individual remains unaccounted for following the catastrophe. He emphasized the urgency of locating the missing person.
“Our paramount concern is the missing individual, and we are dedicating all possible resources to this task,” Sanghvi conveyed to the press. He added that all pertinent officials have been summoned to the Collector’s office by 3 am, where he will also be stationed.
“A grievous incident has unfolded in Rajkot, leading to the demise of many, including children. An SIT has been tasked with initiating the probe at 3 am. All departments responsible for the gaming zone’s construction are to be present at the Collector’s office by 3 am. Comprehensive investigations will commence immediately, and justice will be served swiftly. After my inspection, I will be stationed at the Collector’s office,” stated Sanghvi. Meanwhile, two individuals, including the proprietor and manager of the TRP game zone, have been detained for questioning regarding the blaze.
The Gujarat administration has declared an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family and mandated an inquiry by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Numerous fire engines were dispatched to extinguish the rampant fire.
The inferno is believed to have originated from a temporary structure within the TRP (The Retail Park) game zone on Nana Mava Road. The site was crowded with children enjoying their summer vacation. A suspected explosion in an air-conditioning unit triggered the blaze. Consequently, the entire gaming zone collapsed, trapping victims beneath. Officials stated that the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed their condolences over the tragic incident.
Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi reported that the Fire Control Room received an alert at approximately 4:30 pm about the blaze at the game zone. “Fire engines and ambulances rushed to the site to extinguish the flames. The fire caused the structure to collapse, and debris is being cleared,” Joshi elaborated.
Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava stated, “A fire erupted in the TRP gaming zone in the afternoon. Rescue operations are underway, and the fire is now under control. We are endeavoring to recover as many bodies as possible.”
“Currently, around 20 bodies have been recovered and sent for further investigation. We will pursue charges of negligence and fatalities. Further investigation will proceed once rescue operations are concluded,” Bhargava informed ANI.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X, expressed, “The fire tragedy in Rajkot is deeply sorrowful. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.”
“I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Preventing such incidents in the future is crucial. Any negligence will be addressed with strict action. An SIT has been formed to investigate the incident,” Patel added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his grief. On X, he stated, “Extremely saddened by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance.”
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi extended his condolences to the grieving families. “I hope the injured recover swiftly. Congress workers are urged to assist in relief and rescue efforts. The Gujarat government and administration must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and ensure swift justice for the bereaved families,” he stated.
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed sorrow over the incident and communicated with the Gujarat Chief Minister. On X, Shah said, “I am profoundly saddened by the Rajkot game zone accident. I have been informed of the ongoing relief and rescue efforts. My deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Officials reported that eight teams from the Rajkot Fire Brigade were deployed to combat the fire. “The fire has engulfed the entire game zone complex,” officials added.
Rajkot Municipal Commissioner Anand Patel emphasized that the immediate focus is on relief and rescue operations.
Congress Gujarat President Shaktisinh Gohil and AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi expressed their grief over the devastating fire. Shaktisinh Gohil criticized the government for repeated incidents, citing previous tragedies in Surat, Vadodara, Morbi, and Palanpur Bridge as evidence of governmental negligence despite High Court rulings on fire safety.
