A horrific fire ripped through a game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, on Saturday, tragically taking the lives of 28 people, including 12 children. Thankfully, firefighters managed to evacuate 25 people safely.
The blaze erupted at the TRP Game Zone located on Kalawad Road around 4:30 pm. Firefighters battled the flames for three grueling hours before finally bringing it under control.
The intense heat of the fire caused severe damage to the bodies, making identification a challenge. Authorities are currently preparing for DNA testing to determine identities.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the game zone was packed with families enjoying the weekend and summer holidays. Unfortunately, ongoing repair work scattered flammable materials like wood throughout the facility. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formed a special team to investigate the incident thoroughly. Police have arrested two individuals, including the manager of the TRP Gamezone.
The devastating lack of fire extinguishers at the game zone has sparked outrage, prompting the Gujarat government to close all game zones lacking proper fire safety measures immediately.
In the wake of this tragedy, the state government announced relief measures, offering ₹4 lakh (approximately USD 5,000) to families of the deceased and ₹50,000 (approximately USD 625) to the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and others expressed their condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
