Tragedy Strikes Rajkot: Massive Fire at Gaming Zone Claims 27 Lives, PM Modi Expresses Deep Distress

Rajkot, Gujarat – A devastating fire engulfed the TRP gaming zone in Rajkot on Saturday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 27 lives, including 9 children. The incident has left the nation in shock and mourning, as rescue operations continue amidst the rubble.

Fire Breaks Out, Rescue Efforts Underway

The blaze broke out in the afternoon, rapidly consuming the gaming zone. Emergency services responded swiftly, with several fire tenders deployed to combat the inferno. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava provided an update on the situation, stating, “The fire is under control. We are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible. As of now, around 25 bodies have been recovered and they have been sent to the hospital for further investigation.”

Owner and Manager Under Scrutiny

The TRP gaming zone, owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, is now under intense scrutiny. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to assess any potential negligence. “We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. The owner and the manager have been taken in for interrogation,” added Commissioner Bhargava.

Challenges Faced by Firefighters

Fire officer IV Kher highlighted the difficulties faced by the firefighting teams, “The attempts to douse the fire are underway. We are facing difficulty in the firefighting operation because the temporary structure has collapsed and due to wind velocity.” Despite these challenges, reports indicate that 15 to 20 children were successfully rescued from the gaming zone.

National Leaders React

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement, he said, “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.” PM Modi also shared that he had spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who assured him that all necessary measures were being taken to support those affected by the tragedy.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also addressed the incident, emphasizing the state’s commitment to rescue and relief efforts. “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. It has also been instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured,” he stated.

Financial Aid and Investigation

In a tweet, CM Patel announced financial aid for the victims’ families. “The state will give Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured,” he declared. Additionally, he revealed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to thoroughly investigate the incident.

Moving Forward

As Rajkot grapples with the aftermath of this horrific incident, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and uncovering the cause of the fire to prevent future tragedies. The loss of life, especially of young children, has cast a pall over the community, and the nation stands in solidarity with the victims.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in public spaces. As investigations proceed, the hope is that lessons learned will lead to stronger regulations and better preparedness to ensure the safety of all citizens.