A devastating fire engulfed an amusement park in Rajkot, Gujarat State, in western India on Saturday, leaving at least 27 people dead, including four children under the age of 12. Local authorities have detained several individuals for questioning as they work to determine the cause of the fire, which took nearly an hour to extinguish.

According to survivors, chaos ensued as the inferno tore through the TRP amusement and theme park, packed with over 300 people who were enjoying various games and attractions on the popular summer holiday weekend. Some reported needing to kick down doors and leap from windows in their desperate attempts to escape the flames.

Tragically, a temporary structure near the entrance of the facility collapsed, trapping many individuals inside and hindering their escape. Fire officer Ilesh Kher stated that the collapse made it difficult for people to come out, leading to a high number of casualties.

Authorities expressed deep concern over the extent of the charred remains, as some victims were beyond recognition, necessitating DNA sampling to properly identify them. At least four individuals have been detained for questioning, and officials warned that the death toll may rise in the coming days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, acknowledging the tragedy that befell Rajkot. The incident has brought to light the urgent need for safety measures and regulations to be adhered to, particularly within the construction and recreational sectors.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a fire broke out in a newborn baby hospital in the capital city of Delhi on Saturday night. Six infants lost their lives, but passersby demonstrated heroic acts of bravery by rescuing other babies from the ward.

Fires have long been a grave concern in India, with inadequate building structures and a lack of adherence to safety regulations contributing to their frequent occurrence. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fires, including whether a short-circuit was responsible for the tragic incident in the amusement park.

As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, it is hoped that stringent safety measures will be implemented to prevent such devastating incidents from recurring, ensuring the well-being and security of all citizens.