Tragic Fire in Rajkot: 27 Dead, Including 9 Children
In a devastating incident, 27 people, including nine children, lost their lives in a massive fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening. The fire has left the community in shock and mourning.
The Incident
The fire broke out at a popular gaming zone in Rajkot, engulfing the area in flames. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinayak Patel, identifying the victims has been challenging as the bodies are severely charred. The owners of the gaming zone have been detained for questioning.
Official Responses
Local authorities swiftly initiated a relief and rescue operation. Darshita Shah, MLA for Rajkot West, expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the incident in Rajkot’s history. She assured that the government would take strict action against those responsible for the negligence leading to this disaster. A compensation of ₹4 lakh has been announced for the families of the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their condolences. PM Modi mentioned that the local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected, while President Murmu extended her heartfelt prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Government Actions
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed officials to ensure immediate treatment for the injured and prioritize rescue operations. He plans to visit the site to oversee the ongoing efforts.
In his statement, CM Patel emphasized the importance of swift and effective response, instructing the Municipal Corporation and other administrative bodies to work diligently on rescue and relief operations.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The gaming zone, owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, is now under scrutiny. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown and will be investigated thoroughly. The fire brigade is facing challenges due to the collapsed structure and strong winds.
Efforts to control the fire are ongoing, and the exact number of casualties will be confirmed once the situation is under control. Meanwhile, a directive has been issued to shut down all gaming zones in the city as a precautionary measure.
Community Impact
The tragic loss of lives, especially the young children, has deeply affected the Rajkot community. The immediate focus remains on rescuing survivors and providing support to the affected families.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and the need for regular inspections in public places to prevent such disasters in the future. The community and authorities alike are calling for improved safety protocols to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.
