Rajkot. At least 27 people, including 12 children, died in a massive fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat on Saturday. The fire broke out inside the gaming zone in a shopping mall when the mall was full of children. Police teams and fire engines were sent to the spot to control the fire. Police have arrested the owner of this gaming zone, Yuvraj Singh Solanki and manager Nitin Jain.
Due to it being a weekend, the shopping mall was crowded. Meanwhile, a huge fire broke out in the gaming zone full of children. The fire was so intense that smoke was seen coming out of the shopping mall from a long distance. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the lower part of the mall. The entire hall was filled with smoke. Around 60 people were present at that time. It is believed that some people are still trapped in the mall, efforts are being made to evacuate them.
Eyewitnesses counted the mall’s negligence
A boy who came out alive from the mall told the story of this entire incident. He said that there was no way to exit. All the employees of the mall ran away as soon as the fire broke out. The people who were present there could not find a way to escape. Many people are still missing. He said, ‘The employees of the mall were the first to run away as soon as the fire broke out. There was no one to rescue them.’
A special investigation team was formed to investigate this accident. According to initial information, the operator of the game zone had not taken NOC from the fire department.
President-Prime Minister expressed grief
Expressing grief over this accident, President Draupadi Murmu said, ‘I am deeply saddened to hear the news of fire in Rajkot’s gaming zone and the death of many people in it. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their children. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.’
Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on Twitter, ‘Deeply saddened by the fire accident in Rajkot. My condolences 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 the affected people.’
In another post, the Prime Minister said, ‘The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened all of us. In a telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel ji informed me about the ongoing efforts to provide all possible assistance to those affected.’
At the same time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ‘I am deeply saddened by the accident in the game zone of Rajkot (Gujarat). I have spoken to Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel ji and received information regarding this accident. The administration is making every effort for relief and rescue work and providing treatment to the injured. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Expressing grief over the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a post on Instagram, ‘The news of the death of many people including innocent children due to a massive fire in the gaming zone of a mall in Rajkot, Gujarat is very painful. My deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I hope that all the injured recover as soon as possible.’
CM announced compensation
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed the officials to give priority to the rescue operation and ensure immediate treatment for the injured. He said, ‘In the incident of fire in the game zone in Rajkot, the Municipal Corporation and the administration have been instructed to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations. Instructions have also been issued to give priority to the arrangement of immediate treatment of the injured.’
The Chief Minister said, ‘I express my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to God for the peace of the departed soul. Rajkot-TRP Game Zone Fire Case The state government will send a special health team to Rajkot. DNA test will be done for immediate identification of the burnt bodies. A special team will be sent for this.’
The Chief Minister ordered the closure of all game zones in Gujarat after the accident. The state government announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered all the District Magistrates, SPs and Police Commissioners of the state to close all the game zones in Gujarat after the Rajkot game zone accident. He said that the order will have to be followed by all the Mahanagarpalikas, Nagar Palikas, Fire Officers, Local Administration and Police together.
Tags: fire incident, Rajkot News
FIRST PUBLISHED : May 26, 2024, 06:33 IST