In a devastating incident, a massive fire broke out at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening, resulting in the loss of at least 27 lives, including nine children. The gaming zone, which was packed with around 300 people, many of them children due to the summer vacation and weekend rush, was engulfed in flames, causing chaos and panic.
According to the authorities, the started around 4.30 pm on Saturday and quickly spiraled out of control. The facility, which was running without the necessary fire safety permissions, was not equipped to handle such an emergency. An eyewitness reported that a temporary structure near the entrance collapsed, making it difficult for people to escape the burning building.
The victims, many of whom were charred beyond recognition, included members of the same family. The Jadeja family lost five of its members, including three children aged 10-15, when the fire broke out. A newly married couple, Vivek (26) and Khushali Dusara (24), along with their sister-in-law Tisha, also perished in the tragedy.
In response to the incident, the Gujarat government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the matter and identify those responsible. The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi, has been asked to submit a report within 72 hours. The owner and manager of the TRP game zone have been detained for questioning.
Gujrat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the incident site and the hospital where the injured were being treated. He took stock of the situation and the ongoing rescue operation. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has also assured that 30 ICU beds have been prepared in AIIMS Rajkot to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Gujarat government has directed all eight municipal corporations, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, and Junagadh, to form committees comprising fire, revenue, engineering, and police officials. These committees are tasked with conducting urgent inspections at gaming zones across their respective cities to assess fire safety measures, exit routes, and the fitness of their installations.
The incident has been described as a “man-made disaster” by the Gujarat High Court. The lack of proper fire safety measures and the facility’s operation without the necessary permissions have raised serious questions about the accountability of the authorities responsible for granting such permissions and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
The tragic loss of life, especially of children, has left the nation in shock and mourning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, saying, “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.”
Massive fire at the #Rajkot gaming zone. @LangaMahesh reporting some 24 feared dead, including many kids. This is heart wrenching. #Gujrat @DeepalTrevedie pic.twitter.com/q7yVlVQC1l
— Smita Sharma (@Smita_Sharma) May 25, 2024
As the investigation into the incident continues, the authorities must take immediate action to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. Strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, regular inspections of public places, and the prosecution of those responsible for negligence must be prioritized to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The families of the victims are left to grapple with the immense pain and loss caused by this tragedy. As they await the DNA confirmation of their loved ones, the nation stands in solidarity with them, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
