At least 24 people, including numerous children, lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a family entertainment venue in the Rajkot district of Gujarat, Western India. The incident occurred on a holiday weekend at the TRP amusement and theme park, where over 300 individuals were present at the time of the blaze.

According to Rajkot's fire officer, Ilesh Kher, the fire started due to the presence of flammable materials. Tragically, a temporary structure near the entrance collapsed, leaving many trapped inside and hindering their escape. As the fire rapidly spread through the facility, thick clouds of smoke billowed out, engulfing the game zone and leading to the complete destruction of the two-storey structure.

The local mayor, Nayana Pedhadiya, emphasized the rescue efforts and pledged that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the incident. Rescue operations are currently underway, with authorities working tirelessly to save lives and attend to the injured.

Unfortunately, some of the bodies recovered from the scene were charred beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the fire. Firefighters, however, have managed to bring the flames under control, significantly minimizing the damage caused.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, as investigations are ongoing. In response to the tragic incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel assigned a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the fire. Rajkot police have also detained two individuals in connection with the incident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, expressed his deep distress regarding the mishap via a post on the social media platform X. He assured the public that the local administration was actively working to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.

With the death toll expected to rise, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and hopes for a swift investigation to uncover the root cause of this tragic fire. The need for stringent safety measures and infrastructure regulations in such venues is now a pressing concern, as authorities strive to prevent future disasters of this nature.