RAJKOT, INDIA – A devastating fire tore through a crowded amusement park in Rajkot, Gujarat, killing 27 people, including four young children, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The blaze, which erupted on Saturday evening, left survivors with no choice but to kick down doors and leap out of windows to escape the flames.
The fire occurred at the TRP amusement and theme park, where over 300 people were enjoying various games such as bowling. Reports from Indian media detailed how the inferno spread rapidly through the two-storey structure, which was packed with young people.
Desperate Escape
Eyewitnesses and survivors described the chaos as they struggled to flee the burning building. Pruthvirajsinh Jadeja, a survivor, told The Indian Express, “We were bowling when two staff members told us there was a fire on the ground floor and we should leave. The area was soon full of smoke.” Jadeja recounted how he and others had to kick down a tin sheet to escape from the first floor, jumping to safety.
Casualties and Identification Challenges
Among the dead are four children under the age of 12. Police noted that many of the bodies were so badly burned that identification is proving difficult. Forensic teams are collecting DNA samples from the remains to assist with the process. Lines of bodies, draped in white cloths, were laid out before being taken away from the site.
Structural Collapse and Rapid Spread
Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher explained that the fire spread quickly due to the flammable materials in the structure. He added that a temporary structure near the entrance collapsed, trapping people inside and complicating rescue efforts.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Prabhav Joshi, a top local government official, confirmed the death toll had risen to 27 by Sunday morning. He also stated that two individuals had been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the fire.
Emotional Scenes at the Site
Outside the wreckage, distraught family members of victims waited anxiously for news. Among them were the mother and sister of Asha Kathad, a 20-year-old who worked at the amusement park. They held up a photo of Asha on a mobile phone, desperate for information about her whereabouts.
Broader Safety Concerns
This tragic event highlights ongoing safety issues in India, where poor building practices, overcrowding, and lax enforcement of safety regulations are common. Just hours after the Rajkot fire, another blaze in a New Delhi hospital killed six newborn infants, underscoring the pervasive danger of fires in public buildings across the country.
Official Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose home state is Gujarat, expressed his deep distress over the incident in a social media post. Local authorities continue to provide updates as rescue and recovery operations proceed in the aftermath of this tragic event.
As the community grapples with the loss and trauma, the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter regulations in public venues becomes ever more apparent.
