20 dead in major fire at Rajkot gaming zone, rescue operations continue

A devastating fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening claimed the lives of 20 people, officials reported. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to manage the aftermath of the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying, “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.”

गुजरात के राजकोट में TRP Game Zone में भीषण आग लगने से 20 से अधिक लोगों सहित नन्हे बच्चो की मौत की घटना बेहद दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण व दुखद है। इस घटना में लापरवाह जिम्मेदार लोगों के विरुद्ध कठोर कार्यवाही होनी चाहिए। लेकिन मुझे उम्मीद ही नहीं बल्कि पूरा भरोसा है कि कुछ नहीं होगा। #Rajkot pic.twitter.com/Ewq0tUIALt

— Hansraj Meena (@HansrajMeena) May 25, 2024

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. @Bhupendrapbjp

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2024

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the urgency of the situation, instructing officials to prioritize the immediate treatment of the injured. “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,” he stated.

Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed that the fire is now under control and rescue teams are working to retrieve bodies from the site. He was quoted as saying by NDTV, “Around 20 bodies have been recovered and sent to the hospital for further investigation. The gaming zone is owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, and we will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths that have occurred.” He added that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and several fire engines have been deployed to the scene.

A fire officer mentioned the challenges faced during the firefighting operation, noting that the temporary structure’s collapse and high wind velocity hindered efforts. “The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. Attempts to douse the fire are underway. We have not received any messages of missing persons,” the officer told the media.

Authorities have issued a directive for all gaming zones in the city to shut down temporarily. “We will then be able to find out the exact number of casualties inside the zone after the fire is controlled. We will also investigate the cause of the fire,” the officer added.

As rescue and relief operations continue, the community mourns the tragic loss of life and hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured.