Gaming zone fire in Rajkot
On 25 May 2024, a fire broke out at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, claiming 33 lives.
Background.
The amusement park was built in 2024 in temporary structures that had tin roofs and two floors. There were insufficient fire extinguishers and emergency exits in the buildings according to reports. The building also did not possess the required certification from the fire department.
Incident.
On the evening of 25 May, a fire started on the ground floor of the two-story building. The fire was reportedly caused when some welding work was being carried out and quickly spread into surrounding areas due to the already high temperature in the areas. Furthermore, there was only one exit in the first floor. Nearly 2,000 litres of diesel was stored at the TRP Game Zone for generators, while 1,000 to 1,500 litres of petrol was stored for go-kart racing, which made the fire almost uncontrollable. There were around 70 to 80 people at the time of fire.
The fire resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people including nine children and another 26 people still missing.
Investigation.
The government of Gujarat formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the fire incident. A First Information Report was filed against six partners of the gaming zone on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and subsequently two persons were arrested. The owner and manager of the gaming zone was arrested by police and FIRs were placed against six employees. Police said the owner operated the establishment without a permit from the fire department. Both he and the manager were subsequently charged with “negligence that led to deaths”.
The case remains under investigation, with a SIT leading the inquiry, while legal proceedings continue against those allegedly responsible for the disaster.
The High Court of Gujarat took suo motu cognizance of the incident and called it prima facie a “man-made disaster”.
Aftermath.
Following the incident, the Gujarat DGP instructed all gaming zones in the state to be inspected and close those operating without fire safety permits. It also directed police to conduct the procedure in coordination with municipal fire officers.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel announced an ex gratia of ₹400,000 to the kin of each of the dead and ₹50,000 to each injured. He also visited the scene of the fire and met with victims of the disaster in hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and prayers for the victims.
References.
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