In a devastating incident on Saturday, a major fire engulfed an amusement park in the city of Rajkot, Gujarat state, in western India, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 27 individuals, including several children. The fire broke out at the privately-owned amusement park, leading to immediate efforts by authorities to bring the blaze under control and initiate rescue operations.

Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed that the fire was now under control, and rescue teams were tirelessly working to save any remaining victims. However, local police officer Vinayak Patel expressed the difficulty in identifying the bodies due to the intensity of the blaze.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported that the death toll included four children under the age of 12, highlighting the heart-wrenching loss experienced by families affected by this tragedy. As investigations into the incident began, authorities took the owner and manager of the amusement park into custody for questioning, aiming to determine the cause of the fire.

Authorities announced their intention to file a case of negligence against the park's owner, Yuvraj Singh Solanki, following the completion of the rescue operation. Police Commissioner Bhargava stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable for the devastating loss of life and expressed their commitment to launching a thorough investigation.

Fires in India have been a recurring concern due to a combination of non-compliance with building laws and safety codes. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the pressing need for stricter adherence to such regulations to ensure the safety of individuals in public spaces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep distress over the incident, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. On social media platform X, he stated, "I am extremely distressed by the fire... in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured."

As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this tragic incident, authorities have stressed the importance of thorough investigations to prevent further such incidents and improve safety measures across the country.