A devastating fire at the TRP gaming zone and amusement park in Rajkot resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including seven children, on late Saturday afternoon. CCTV footage suggests that welding sparks ignited highly flammable materials stored at the site, causing the rapid spread of the blaze.
Rajkot Collector Prabhav Joshi reported that the gaming zone, operational for nearly three years without proper permissions, stored foam sheets, plastic mattresses, and thermocol. Additionally, there is speculation that petrol and diesel for go-karts and generators may have been on-site, although no containers have been recovered.
The fire’s intensity left many victims with no chance to escape, resulting in severe burns. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Bhikhabhai Theba, among the first responders, described the fire as swift and deadly. Due to the severity of the injuries, DNA testing is necessary for identifying the victims accurately. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar for expedited analysis, with results expected in 36-48 hours.
In the wake of the incident, the Gujarat government has mandated inspections of all gaming zones, temporarily closing them until safety measures are assured. A special investigation team is set to submit a preliminary report by Tuesday. Additionally, the state is working on regulatory measures for amusement parks to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for strict safety protocols and regulatory oversight in public entertainment venues to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent similar disasters in the future.
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