AHMEDABAD: As many as 24 person, including many children, died in a fire that broke out on Saturday evening in a family entertainment venue in Gujarat, western Indian state, a government official said.
With rescue efforts continuing at the scene in the Rajkot district, the local mayor while talking tolocal media said death toll was expected to rise.
“Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident,” Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya said.
Television images have show a massive fire engulfing the TRP game zone and thick clouds of smoke emanating from the site. The entire structure was gutted in the blaze.
A police official at the local civil hospital said some of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media platform X that the local administration was working to provide assistance to those affected.
“Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi said in the post.
The district’s chief fire officer, IV Kher, said firefighters had almost brought the fire under control.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained,” Kher while talking to local media said.
Read more: Premier Shehbaz Says Will Not Tolerate Obstacles To Foreign Investment
