Rajkot game zone fire: At least 27 people, mostly students, have died while some people are feared to be trapped following a massive fire that broke out in the TRP gaming zone at Kalawad Road in Rajkot, Gujarat on Saturday.
The fire broke out at the gaming zone during the evening and authorities responded swiftly initiating the dousing efforts.
Earlier, Chief Fire Officer I.V. Kher said that they were trying to extinguish the fire. Due to the collapse of the structure and high wind, they were facing difficulty in extinguishing the fire. He said that efforts were continuing.
However, in the latest updates, Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav said that the fire is under control. He said that they are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible. So far 20 bodies have been found.
Notably, an investigation regarding the cause of the fire will be initiated. After the tragic incident, an order has been issued to close all the gaming zones in the city.
PM Modi expresses distress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the tragic mishappening and said that he was distressed by the tragic incident.
Along with that, he also held a telephone conversation with CM Bhupendra Patel and learned the details of the incident. He expressed grief over the tragic incident and directed the CM to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and take strict action against the culprits.
Gujarat CM announces ex gratia
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to X and said that the fire tragedy in Rajkot is heart-wrenching. He also announced to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured. He also said that an SIT has been formed to investigate the incident.
Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar express condolences
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reacted to the incident and posted, "I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also wrote a grieving message on the social media platform X. He said, "Deeply grieved at the loss of lives in the terrible fire in Rajkot. Our thoughts are very much with all those impacted by this tragedy."
Three including Game Zone owner detained
Meanwhile, game zone owner Yuvraj Jadeja and the manager were detained by Rajkot police. It has been learned that renovation work was going on in a part of this game zone, during which the game zone was closed two days ago due to a short circuit. However, a day after the game zone was again opened.
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