Rajkot gaming zone fire: What led to the massive fire that killed 27?

Image Source : PTI Firefighters douse a fire that broke out in a gaming zone, in Rajkot.

Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire: At least 27 people, mostly students and children died after a massive fire erupted at TRP gaming zone in Gujarat's Rajkot on Saturday. All relevant authorities are assessing the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his sorrow on the tragic incident saying he his extremely distressed. The Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured that efforts are underway to ensure all possible assistance. The Gujarat government has announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased along with Rs 50,000 for the injured. A five-member SIT has been formed led by ADGP, CID Crime Subhash Trivedi to probe the incident.

Rajkot Game Zone Fire: What we know so far?

The fire erupted on Saturday evening when many students, and children were playing in the gaming zone and people enjoying summer vacation. The blaze erupted at a fibre dome constructed for gaming activities at around 4:30 pm, officials said.
The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. The attempts to douse the fire are underway. We have not received any message of missing persons. We are facing difficulty in the firefighting operation because the temporary structure has collapsed due to wind velocity, a fire department official IV Kher said.
However, according to reports, the fire at the TRP game zone erupted after a blast in an AC unit which quickly engulfed the entire premises.
As per reports, renovation work was underway in a part of this game zone, during which two days ago, the game zone was closed after a short circuit took place. However, the gaming premises was reopened on Saturday.
Rescue operations are still underway at the affected TRP game zone for more than four hours.
According to officials, the structure collapsed due to the huge fire. Several persons including children were playing games when the blaze erupted.
The fire caused the collapse of the structure which fell on the people.
After the fire broke out, Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav told media persons that the cause of the blaze would be investigated and that a message had been issued to all the gaming zones in the city to close operations.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tweeted that the city administration has been instructed to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident at the game zone in Rajkot. Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot. It has been instructed to prioritise arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured".
An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin has been announced by the Gujarat government.