A massive fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, killing at least 27 people, including several children, according to police and media reports.
The fire broke out in a park in the city of Rajkot in Gujarat state. Superintendent of Police Raju Bhargava said the blaze had been brought under control and rescue operations were underway.
Police inspector Vinayak Patel said identifying the body was difficult.
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Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident and have detained the owner and manager of the amusement park for questioning.
“We have confirmed 27 deaths in the fire incident so far,” Patel said, adding that the deaths included four children below the age of 12.
Rescuers carry the bodies of people killed in a fire at an amusement park in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, Saturday, May 25, 2024. A massive fire broke out at an amusement park in western India on Saturday, killing more than 10 people and injuring several, according to reports.
The park is always bustling on weekends with families bringing their children to enjoy their school summer holidays.
Footage showed firefighters clearing rubble around the collapsed tin-roofed building, which media reports said was used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline rides.
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The park is privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Bhargava said police plan to file a case against him for negligence.
“We will register a criminal offence for negligence and the deaths that occurred. Further investigation will be carried out once the rescue operation is completed,” he said.
Firefighters extinguish a fire at an amusement park in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, Saturday, May 25, 2024. A massive fire broke out at an amusement park in western India on Saturday, killing more than 10 people and injuring several, according to reports. (AP Photo/Chirag Chhotariya)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the fire in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. Praying for those injured.”
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Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often ignore building and safety regulations.
