In a harrowing event at Rajkot's TRP Game Zone, a devastating fire claimed 24 lives, including 9 children. Officials confirmed the death toll and reported that the cause of the fire remains unknown. The nation's political figures, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, have expressed their sorrow over the heart-wrenching incident.
State Government Announces Compensation
The state government has pledged compensations of INR 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 to the injured. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been assembled to take full responsibility for probing the entire mishap. Authorities revealed that the fire broke out at approximately 4:30 PM in a fiber dome constructed for gaming activities.
Source: aajtak
Multiple Arrests Following the Tragedy
Three individuals, including the operator and owner of the Rajkot Game Zone, have been detained by the authorities. Senior IPS officer Subhash Trivedi is leading an SIT of five officers to investigate the case. The gaming zone's owner has been identified as Yuvraj Singh Solanki, and Nitin Jain as the manager, along with one other individual taken into custody.
Source: aajtak
SIT Established for Investigation
The state government has ordered an SIT probe into the game zone fire incident. A team of five officers led by Senior IPS officer Subhash Trivedi will conduct the investigation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated on a social media platform that directives have been given to the city administration to immediately undertake rescue and relief operations.
Building's Structure Collapsed Due to Severe Fire, People Trapped
Officials indicate that the severe fire caused the structure to collapse, trapping people inside. Numerous lives were lost as they were unable to escape including 9 children. At the time of the incident, many individuals, including children, were present at the gaming zone, engaging in activities.
Gaming Zone Lacked Necessary NOC
The collector stated that the fire originated due to electrical issues, however, the primary cause is still undetermined. It has been revealed that this gaming zone did not possess the NOC from the fire department. Further information will be disclosed by the department itself.
Witnesses Report Sudden Evacuation by Staff
According to children who managed to escape when the tragedy struck, the staff suddenly instructed everyone to evacuate due to a fire, leading to panic and rush; however, some were unable to make it out in time. There was only one pathway to exit or enter the first floor.
Read This: Rajkot: 24 Deaths Including 9 Children in TRP Gaming Zone Fire
Thousands of Liters of Diesel and Petrol Stored, Crowded Due to Special Offer
The TRP Game Zone stored approximately 1500 to 2000 liters of diesel for generators and 1000 to 1500 liters of petrol for go-kart racing. This contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, completely incinerating the structure. Due to a special entry offer priced at INR 99, a larger crowd gathered at the time of the accident.
Fire Alert Received At 4:30 PM
The collector, Prabhaav Joshi, reported that the fire control room received a call about the blaze in the game zone at around 4:30 PM. Fire tenders and ambulances reached the spot to combat the flames. The fire caused the structure to collapse, and efforts are being made to clear the debris. Many people, including children, were present at the gaming zone when the incident occurred, due to holidays and the weekend.
All Gaming Zones Ordered to Cease Operation
Following the fire, the city's Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav announced that investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted and a message has been issued to shut down all gaming areas in the city. The Chief Minister has instructed immediate rescue and relief work and prioritized medical treatment for the injured.
Source: aajtak
PM Modi Inquires About Relief Efforts with CM
PM Modi discussed the Rajkot fire tragedy with the Gujarat CM, seeking updates on relief efforts. The PM tweeted his sadness over the incident and was informed about the ongoing endeavors to assist those affected.
Home Minister Amit Shah too Communicates with CM
Home Minister Amit Shah has also conversed with CM Bhupendra Patel regarding the event, expressing deep sorrow and procuring information about the administration's rescue and relief efforts. Shah has conveyed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wishes a swift recovery for the injured.
Police Director-General Issues Following Directives
In response to the fire incident, the state's Police Director-General has instructed commissioners and district police superintendents to inspect all game zones, ensuring the closure of those operating without fire safety permission.
President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu mourned the tragic loss on a social media platform, offering condolences to families who have lost their loved ones, including young children, praying for the quick recovery of the rescued.
PM Modi Posts About Rajkot Fire Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the tragic fire incident in Rajkot on a social media platform, extending his sympathies to all affected families and praying for the injured, assuring that local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Families of Deceased to Receive INR 4 Lakhs and Injured Awarded INR 50,000
The state government will provide INR 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 to the injured. It is imperative to ensure that such incidents do not recur. No negligence will be tolerated, and an SIT has been formed to investigate the matter fully.