On a fateful Saturday in Rajkot, TRP Gaming Zone turned into a horrific blaze that took 27 lives, including 9 children. The fire department launched a rescue operation immediately after receiving the alert. The weekend special scheme of an entry fee of a mere 99 rupees contributed to the substantial crowd when the fire erupted.
The stored diesel and petrol escalated the danger. It's claimed that about 1500 to 2000 liters of diesel and 1000 to 1500 liters of petrol for go-kart racing were present. The area's IG, Ashok Kumar Yadav, has confirmed the deaths of 27 individuals.
Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi visited the site late into the night to assess the damage. In his interaction with the media, he mentioned that SIT was directed to start investigating by 3 AM. All officials responsible for the gaming zone’s construction were ordered to report to the Collector's office by the same time. The probe into all aspects is to start immediately, and prompt justice is assured.
The collector pointed out that preliminary investigations attribute the cause of the fire to electrical reasons, although the main cause is yet to be determined. It has also come to light that the gaming zone did not have an NOC from the fire department. Further details about the NOC will be disclosed by the fire department itself.
Source: aajtak
Petrol and Diesel Amass at the Gaming Zone
The gaming zone had accumulated a large amount of diesel and petrol, which, fortunately, did not reach the fire. Otherwise, the death toll could have been higher. Due to the presence of ample fuel, the fire spread rapidly and the entire structure was gutted. There was only one narrow exit from the first floor, and the special 99 rupees offer on entry further exacerbated the situation during the accident.
Survivors from the gaming zone disclosed that the staff suddenly informed them of the fire, urging everyone to evacuate. However, many were unable to escape due to the sole exit available from the first floor.
Source: aajtak
Owners and Managers Arrested
The operators and owners of the Rajkot gaming zone, including three individuals, have been apprehended by the police. A primary report from the SIT, led by Senior IPS Officer Subhash Trivedi, is expected within 72 hours. The investigation will cover numerous critical aspects: whether the blaze was accidental or due to negligence, if the gaming zone had the necessary approvals and fire NOC, whether safety codes were adhered to, and whether the government machinery or the zone's proprietors were accountable.
Tragic Tales from Gujarat's Game Zones Continues
Notable incidents of tragedy in Gujarat include the May 2019 Takshashila incident, with 22 students perishing. In October 2022, the Morbi suspension bridge collapse resulted in nearly 140 fatalities, and the January 2024 Harni accident claimed 14 lives. Now, the gaming zone in Rajkot has added to this gruesome list with its fatal fire.
