India (Commonwealth Union)_ A tragic incident unfolded as a massive fire erupted in an amusement park in Rajkot, Gujarat, resulting in the loss of at least 27 lives, including four children, with fears mounting over additional individuals trapped within the zone. The eruption broke out within the confines of a popular amusement park frequented by families with children, situated in Rajkot, a city in the western region of India within the state of Gujarat.
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Accordingly, Raju Bhargava, the city Police Commissioner, reported that efforts to contain the fire were underway, with the recovery of 20 bodies thus far constituting a part of the ongoing rescue operation. Additionally, local law enforcement officials highlighted the challenges in identifying the deceased owing to the extensive burns suffered during the incident. The amusement park is generally crowded during the school summer vacation, particularly over weekends, drawing large crowds of families with children seeking recreational activities. As such, concerns persist regarding the potential entrapment of children within the premises, given the park’s bustling atmosphere amidst the school holiday season.
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Accordingly, footage depicting firefighters engaged in debris clearance surrounding collapsed tin roof structures utilized for various attractions such as bowling, go-karting, and trampolining is circulating in the media. The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, and Commissioner Raju Bhargava announced intentions to pursue legal action against him, citing negligence leading to the tragic loss of lives. Bhargava asserted that the police will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths that have occurred. Additionally, further investigation will take place once the rescue operation is completed.
Authorities initiated inquiries into the cause of the fire, with fire officers indicating challenges encountered during firefighting operations due to structural collapses exacerbated by wind conditions. A senior official suggested that the fire may have originated from sparks emitted by a welding machine, igniting accumulations of flammable materials. Additionally, in response to the calamity, the Prime Minister’s Office pledged financial assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured, with the Gujarat government announcing additional compensation for victims’ families.
In the meantime, the Gujarat High Court intervened by initiating suo motu proceedings, categorizing the incident as a “man-made disaster,” prompting legal actions against individuals implicated in the tragedy. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed municipal and administrative authorities to expedite rescue and relief efforts, emphasizing the prioritization of medical care for the injured. Furthermore, families and relatives of the victims flocked outside the Rajkot Civil Hospital, fearfully waiting for updates on their loved ones’ conditions.
Expressing profound sorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and prayers for the affected individuals and their families via a social media post. He penned, “Extremely distressed by the fire … in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.” Similarly, President Droupadi Murmu extended sympathies to the bereaved families, advocating for the swift recovery of those undergoing rescue operations. She wrote, “I am deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, including young children. I pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of those being rescued.”
