Children Among 11 Killed in Game Zone Fire; Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
At least 11 people, including children, lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in a crowded game zone in Rajkot city, Gujarat, on Saturday evening. The blaze also left three others injured. The incident occurred at the TRP game zone, a popular spot due to the ongoing summer vacation and the weekend, making the area particularly crowded at the time.
The fire erupted around 5 pm at a fibre dome designated for gaming activities. Several individuals, including children, were engaged in various games when the fire broke out. Rescue operations are currently underway, with officials fearing that the casualty count may increase as more individuals are found in the affected area.
Rajkot taluka police inspector Dhaval Haripara confirmed the tragic loss, stating, “11 persons including children were killed while three persons have been rescued so far. A rescue operation is underway. The number of casualties is likely to rise.” The rapid response of the rescue teams has been crucial in managing the situation and providing immediate assistance to those affected.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his concern and directed the city administration to prioritize rescue and relief operations. He tweeted instructions to the Municipal Corporation and other administrative bodies to ensure swift and effective response to the fire incident. The focus remains on rescuing those still trapped and providing urgent medical care to the injured.
“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,” Patel tweeted. His directives emphasize the urgency and importance of the ongoing rescue efforts.
The game zone, a popular destination for families and children, was particularly crowded due to the summer holidays. This unfortunate timing exacerbated the tragedy, with many children present at the scene. The local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath and ensure all survivors receive the necessary care.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials are trying to determine how the blaze started in the fibre dome, a structure that likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The incident raises serious concerns about the safety measures in place at public entertainment venues, particularly those frequented by children.
This tragic event has cast a pall over the community, with families grieving the loss of their loved ones. As rescue operations continue, the priority remains on saving as many lives as possible and providing support to those affected by this catastrophic fire.
