A devastating fire at a game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, has claimed at least 27 lives, including those of four children under the age of 12, officials reported on Saturday evening. The tragedy struck the TRP Game Zone, a popular destination for families enjoying the summer vacation, around 4:30 PM. Rescue operations continued late into the night, with the death toll expected to rise.
The Rajkot Incident Claimed 27 Lives So Far
Assistant Commissioner of Police Radhika Bharai confirmed the number of fatalities, stating, “So far we have confirmed the death of 27 persons in the fire incident. The bodies are charred beyond recognition and hence their identification is difficult.”
The temporary structure, made from metal and fibre sheets, collapsed due to the intense heat from the blaze. Eyewitnesses reported that the game zone was bustling with children and families when the fire broke out. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident.”
Authorities have detained Nitin Jain, the manager, and Yuvraj Singh Solanki, a partner of the game zone, for questioning. The state government has assigned a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Headed by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi, the SIT includes Commissioner of Technical Education BN Pani, Director of Forensic Science Laboratory HP Sanghvi, Chief Fire Officer JN Khadia, and Superintending Engineer MB Desai.
Rajkot Collector Prabhav Joshi described the initial response to the fire: “The Fire Control Room received a call at around 4:30 PM regarding the blaze at the game zone. Fire tenders and ambulances rushed to the spot to douse the flames. The fire caused the collapse of the structure, and debris is being cleared.”
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting widespread concern and immediate governmental action. Chief Minister Patel has announced financial aid of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased person and Rs 50,000 for those injured. “Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident at the game zone in Rajkot. It has been instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured,” Patel stated.
He further added, “The fire tragedy in Rajkot is heart-wrenching. I express my heartfelt condolences to the persons who lost their lives in this incident and their families. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
In response to the disaster, President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their grief. Modi, who spoke to the Gujarat Chief Minister, shared on X, “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.”
Following the incident, the Gujarat Director General of Police ordered an inspection of all game zones across the state, instructing that those operating without valid fire safety permits be shut down immediately. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava noted, “A message has been issued to all gaming zones in the city to close operations.” There are allegations that the TRP Game Zone did not possess the necessary fire safety certification.
The SIT has been tasked with investigating the circumstances leading up to the fire and determining any lapses in safety measures. State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who rushed to Rajkot, commented, “Many families have lost their children in this incident. The SIT will start its investigation tonight. The administrator and the manager have been arrested. We will ensure that this incident is thoroughly investigated, and those responsible are held accountable.”
Various political leaders expressed their condolences and called for accountability. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged the Gujarat government to ensure strict action against those responsible and demanded a fire safety audit of all game zones and malls. Rahul Gandhi added, “It is expected from the Gujarat government and administration that they should conduct a detailed and impartial investigation of this incident and provide speedy justice to all the bereaved families.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his grief, stating, “The fire incident at a Rajkot mall is very sad. My condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give courage to all the families and ensure a speedy recovery of the injured.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also extended their sympathies to the bereaved families.
As rescue operations continue, the Rajkot mayor indicated that the death toll could rise further. “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident,” stated Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya.
The tragedy has sparked a call for rigorous enforcement of fire safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring that the lives lost in Rajkot will not be in vain.
