Tragic fire at Rajkot gaming zone claims 27 lives, including nine children

In a devastating incident, a fire broke out at a gaming zone in Gujarat’s Rajkot on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of 27 people, including nine children. The fire, which is among the deadliest in Rajkot’s history, has led to widespread grief and prompted an immediate response from local and national authorities.

Details of the Incident and Immediate Response

The fire reportedly started in the late evening and rapidly engulfed the gaming zone. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vinayak Patel, described the horrific scene, noting that “the bodies are completely charred and it is difficult to identify them.” In response to the tragedy, local law enforcement has detained the owners of the gaming zone for investigation.

Rescue operations commenced swiftly with efforts focused on extinguishing the fire and rescuing any survivors. Rajkot Police Commissioner, Raju Bhargava, stated that the fire had been brought under control and that approximately 20 bodies had been recovered so far. “The rescue operations are on… We are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible,” Bhargava added.

National Reactions and Government Actions

The tragedy has drawn reactions from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress, stating, “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.” President Droupadi Murmu also shared her condolences, emphasizing the heartbreaking loss of young lives and extending prayers for the recovery of the injured.

In light of the event, local MLA Darshita Shah announced that the government would provide ₹4 lakh in compensation to the families of the victims and emphasized that actions would be taken against those whose negligence caused the tragedy.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has been proactive in addressing the disaster, instructing officials to make immediate arrangements for the treatment of the injured and confirming his plans to visit the site. He assured that the administration is prioritizing rescue and relief operations and is committed to supporting the affected families.

Investigation and Safety Measures

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with officials cautious about speculating on the reasons behind the tragedy. A fire officer noted the challenges faced during the firefighting efforts, including the collapse of the temporary structure and high wind velocities that complicated the operation.

In response to this incident, a directive has been issued to all gaming zones in the city to shut down temporarily to ensure safety compliance and prevent further tragedies. The community and authorities are now focused on recovery efforts and identifying the victims, as the city mourns this immense loss.