Rajkot fire: Blaze at amusement park in western India kills at least 24 people
At least 24 people have been killed in a massive fire at an amusement park in India’s Gujarat state.
The fire erupted at the park packed with families in the city of Rajkot in western India on Saturday.
Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and the rescue operation underway.
The park was busy with families enjoying the school summer holidays.
The local mayor told the Reuters news agency the death toll was expected to rise, and that children were among the deceased.
"Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident," Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya said.
Television images showed a massive fire engulfing the TRP game zone and thick clouds of smoke emanating from the site. The entire structure was gutted in the blaze.
Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin-roof structures used for bowling, go-karting and trampolining.
Mr Bhargava said police would file a case of negligence against the amusement park owners.
“We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation," he said.
The district's chief fire officer, IV Kher, said firefighters had almost brought the fire under control and that the cause was under investigation.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was "extremely distressed by the fire in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured."
