A devastating fire engulfed the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, claiming the lives of at least 27 individuals, including four children, on a fateful Saturday afternoon. Witnesses recounted a scene of horror as families enjoying leisure time inside the arcade found themselves trapped when the blaze erupted, consuming the structure in minutes.
Identifying the victims proved challenging, with most bodies charred beyond recognition, lamented Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinayak Patel. Sudhir Desai, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 1, confirmed the recovery of 24 bodies, with efforts ongoing to ascertain the ages of the deceased.
As firefighters battled the inferno, the collapse of the arcade’s structure added complexity to rescue operations, extending over four agonizing hours. A subsequent investigation was launched to determine the cause of the tragedy, with the establishment’s owner taken into custody.
Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured support for the affected, coordinating efforts with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The CM announced compensation for the victims’ families and initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to ensure accountability.
Raju Bhargav, Rajkot Police Commissioner, vowed a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause, issuing directives for the temporary closure of all gaming zones in the city. Meanwhile, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge mourned the loss, urging swift action and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
