A devastating fire engulfed an amusement park in Gujarat's Rajkot last weekend, claiming the lives of at least 33 people, including several children, according to police and media reports. The fire erupted at the amusement park located in the city, sending shockwaves through the community. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed that the blaze was under control, but rescue operations were challenging due to difficulties in identifying the victims.
Authorities have detained the owner and manager of the amusement park for questioning as they launch an investigation into the cause of the fire. Patel, a representative of the park, reported the death toll to be 27, with four children under the age of 12 among the deceased.
The tragedy struck during a time when the park was typically bustling with families and children enjoying the summer vacation. Footage from the scene showed firefighters working tirelessly to clear debris around collapsed structures, which housed popular attractions such as bowling, go-carting, and trampolines.
The amusement park, privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, now faces scrutiny, with authorities indicating that a case of negligence will be filed against the owner. Police Commissioner Bhargava assured that legal action would be taken once the rescue operation concludes. An FIR has been registered against six individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to negligence and culpable homicide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating that he was "extremely distressed" by the incident and offering prayers for the injured.
Investigations into the fire suggest that the tragedy may have been sparked by ongoing fabrication work at the facility, possibly due to welding activities. The presence of inflammable materials exacerbated the blaze, causing it to spread rapidly throughout the gaming zone. The Game Zone where the fire occurred reportedly has three partners—Prakash Jain, Yuvraj Singh Solanki, and Rahul Rathod. The Gujarat High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, signaling the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.
As the community grapples with the loss of lives and the aftermath of the fire, questions linger about safety measures and regulatory oversight at amusement parks. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future.
Efforts are underway to provide support to the families of the victims and to ensure that those responsible for the negligence are held accountable. The incident has prompted discussions about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the management of recreational facilities to safeguard the lives of visitors.