A devastating fire broke out in the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, resulting in the tragic deaths of 28 people, including 12 children. The fire, which occurred on Saturday, saw a rapid response from the fire brigade, but the intensity of the blaze and the structural issues of the building hampered rescue efforts. The game zone was particularly crowded due to a special entry fee scheme of ₹99 for the weekend, drawing many visitors.
Key Accused and Arrests
The police have arrested two main individuals responsible for the disaster: Yuvraj Singh Solanki, the owner of the game zone, and Nitin Jain, the manager. Yuvraj is accused of starting the game zone without obtaining the necessary fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC). Nitin Jain, who fled the scene instead of aiding in the rescue efforts, has also been apprehended. A third suspect, Rahul Rathod, a welder, has been identified for his role in likely igniting the blaze. Rahul was conducting welding work near wooden and plywood materials, which led to the fire. He remains at large, and police teams have been ordered to find him immediately.
Five Main Causes of the Fire
Several critical factors contributed to the deadly fire:
1. Flammable Building Materials: The building was constructed from tin and fiber, which are highly flammable.
2. Single Exit Route: There was only one exit, with no emergency gate or ventilation, trapping many people inside.
3. Overcrowding: The game zone was overcrowded due to a promotional ₹99 entry fee on a holiday.
4. Welding Sparks: Welding work inside the game zone caused sparks that ignited a cylinder explosion.
5. Stored Fuels: The facility stored approximately 5,000 liters of petrol and diesel for go-kart racing, exacerbating the fire.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The initial investigation suggested an electrical cause, although it was later determined that welding sparks likely ignited the fire. The absence of a fire safety NOC and inadequate safety measures played a significant role in the tragedy. The structure collapsed due to the intense fire, trapping many individuals inside. Firefighters struggled to rescue unconscious victims, who ultimately perished.
Also Read: 24 Dead In Massive Fire At Gaming Zone In Gujarat’s Rajkot
The Gujarat government has taken swift action, with IG Ashok Kumar Yadav confirming the seizure of the DVR from the game zone, which contains footage of the welding sparks igniting the fire. DNA samples from 25 victims have been sent to a lab in Gandhinagar for identification, with results expected in two days. Bodies are being stored in cold storage at AIIMS and some at the civil hospital.
Government Response and Legal Actions
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the injured at Rajkot AIIMS, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. They announced compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. An SIT led by senior IPS officer Subhash Trivedi will submit a preliminary report within 72 hours, examining the gaming zone’s approvals, fire safety measures, and construction compliance.
Wider Impact and Historical Context
This tragedy adds to the list of major accidents in Gujarat, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures. Previous incidents include the Takshashila fire in May 2019, which claimed 22 lives, the Morbi bridge collapse in October 2022 with 140 casualties, and the January 2024 Harni accident in Vadodara, where 14 people died. The Rajkot gaming zone fire highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring public safety and the importance of regulatory compliance.
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The Gujarat government’s response includes immediate support for the victims and a commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. Lawyers across the state have refused to defend the accused, issuing a notice demanding stringent punishment for those responsible.
#WATCH | Gujarat: A massive fire breaks out at the TRP game zone in Rajkot. Fire tenders on the spot. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/f4AJq8jzxX
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
