A devastating fire broke out at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday, resulting in the tragic death of twenty-eight people, including nine children. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site on Nana-Mava Road on Sunday morning. He also visited a hospital where the injured are receiving treatment. Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “extremely distressed” by the tragedy and offered his condolences to the families of the victims in a post 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,” the Prime Minister stated.
Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vinayak Patel reported that DNA samples have been collected to identify the bodies of the victims, as many were charred beyond recognition. “We have completed the process of collecting DNA samples from the bodies and the relatives who have claimed them to establish the identity of the deceased,” he said. The three individuals injured in the incident are now in stable condition.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the fire and has been directed to submit a report within 72 hours. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi held an early morning meeting with the five-member SIT and local officials to coordinate the ongoing investigation and rescue operations. The SIT is focusing on the departments responsible for the construction of the gaming zone.
The owner and manager of the TRP game zone, where the fire originated, have been detained for questioning. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that 30 ICU beds have been prepared at AIIMS Rajkot for the treatment of those injured. “Instructions have also been given to AIIMS to provide full help,” he said.
Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze. In response to the incident, Gujarat Police has instructed senior officers to inspect all gaming zones in the state and shut down those operating without proper fire safety permissions.
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