In Rajkot, Gujarat, India a catastrophic fire at the TRP amusement and theme park claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including many children, on Saturday evening, May 25, 2024. More than 300 visitors were inside the two-story structure when the blaze erupted, turning a holiday weekend into a scene of horror.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing massive flames and thick clouds of smoke engulfing the game zone. Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher stated, “People got trapped as a temporary structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for the people to come out.” The flames spread rapidly due to the flammable materials present.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters working tirelessly to control the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire gutted the structure. A police official at the local civil hospital noted that some bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya confirmed that the death toll was likely to rise, saying, “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action against the people responsible for this incident.” Rescue efforts continued into the night, with the local community reeling from the tragedy.
Investigations revealed significant negligence by the management of the TRP game zone. The facility operated illegally in a residential area for four years without the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC). Additionally, the game zone had expanded to three stories by obtaining a ride certificate, bypassing comprehensive safety evaluations. “This is a very tragic incident, and the guilty will not be spared. Justice will be served to all,” said Subhash Trivedi, Chairman of the Special Investigation Team.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that sparks from a welding machine ignited highly flammable materials stored on-site, including 2,000 liters of petrol, ongoing welding activities, and numerous tires, all without a proper fire NOC. This lack of adherence to safety protocols has raised serious questions about the management’s accountability and regulatory oversight.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “a Special Investigation Team has started investigating the incident,” adding that Rajkot police had detained several people in connection with the fire. Patel assured that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed his reaction to the incident on social media platform X. “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected,” he wrote. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced ex gratia payments to the deceased and injured families from the PM’s National Relief Fund.
Still in shock, the local community has come together to mourn the loss and demand justice. “We trusted the facility with our lives and the lives of our children. This negligence is unforgivable,” said a grieving relative of one of the victims.