On a fateful Saturday in Rajkot's TRP Game Zone, a devastating inferno claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including 9 children. The fire department sprang into action for rescue operations as soon as they were alerted. The Game Zone had attracted a significant crowd, thanks to a gate-crashing offer of a mere 99 rupees for entry on a holiday.
The presence of large quantities of diesel and petrol stored at the site exacerbated the situation. It is reported that around 1500 to 2000 liters of diesel and 1000 to 1500 liters of petrol for go-kart racing were kept there. Ashok Kumar Yadav, IG of the region, has confirmed the death toll at 27 so far.
Gujarat's Minister of Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghavi, visited the site late at night and, while addressing the media, stated that a tragic event has occurred in Rajkot. Many families have lost loved ones, and several children perished in the incident. He ordered the SIT to commence their investigation by 3 AM, with all officers under whose jurisdiction the Game Zone construction fell directed to report to the collector's office by the same time. An exhaustive probe into every aspect will start today, promising swift justice for the victims.
The collector shed light on the incident, citing preliminary investigation pointing to an electrical spark as the cause, though the main factors are yet unknown. Furthermore, it was revealed that the Game Zone had not received NOC from the fire department, with no application ever filed for it. More insights will emerge from the fire department's findings.
Source: aajtak
Ample Fuel Stores at the Gaming Zone
The Game Zone housed significant fuel reserves, with diesel around 1500 to 2000 liters for the generator and 1000 to 1500 liters of petrol for go-kart racing. Luckily, the fire didn't reach these fuel piles, or the death toll could have been much higher. The fire spread rapidly, reducing the entire structure to ashes. With only a 6 to 7 feet wide passage serving as both the entry and exit, the situation on a discount day with a 99 rupee entry fee attracted a large victim count.
Important Revelation: Lack of Fire Department's NOC at the Gaming Zone in Rajkot, More to Unfold in the Fire Investigation
Only One Way Out from the First Floor
Survivors, including children, recounted frantic staff urging everyone to evacuate suddenly. Despite everyone's rapid attempt to escape, some could not make it out due to the single exit from the first floor.
Source: aajtak
Gaming Zone Management Under Scrutiny
Owners and managers of Rajkot's Game Zone are now under arrest. A Senior IPS officer, Subhash Trivedi, will lead a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ascertain the chain of events. The SIT is expected to deliver a preliminary report within 72 hours, examining whether the Game Zone was authorized, fire NOC compliances, construction adherence to norms, and accountability in this disaster. Police action has resulted in the arrest of two key figures, owner Yuvraj Singh Solanki and manager Nitin Jain, along with one more individual.
Also Read: Mayhem at the Gujarat Game Zone, as Fire Incites Panic Among the Crowd
Structural Collapse Due to Fire
Officials note that the severe fire led to the collapse of the structure, entrapping many inside. This added a horrifying dimension to the tragedy, with numerous deaths including 9 children who were playing games at the time of the blaze.
DNA Reports to Identify Victims
The intense heat of the flames has made it difficult for relatives to identify the burned bodies. The Gujarat government has dispatched a special team from the health department to Rajkot Civil Hospital to collect DNA samples for identification.
Source: aajtak
Shutdown of Gaming Zones
In the wake of the fire, Rajkot's Police Commissioner, Raju Bhargav, assured the media that the cause of the blaze would be thoroughly investigated, and an advisory was issued to halt all gaming zone operations in the city. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered immediate rescue and relief efforts and prioritized medical arrangements for the injured. Additionally, the state government announced compensation of 4 lakh rupees to families of the deceased and 50 thousand rupees to the injured, while President Draupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, among others, expressed their condolences.
Major Disasters in Gujarat
Notable catastrophes in recent Gujarat history include the May 2019 Takshashila incident with 22 student fatalities, the Morbi bridge collapse in October 2022 causing around 140 deaths, the Harni accident in Vadodara in January 2024 with 14 lives lost, and now the Rajkot gaming zone fire claiming 27 lives.
