On May 25, 2024, a ferocious fire at the TRP amusement and theme park in Rajkot, Gujarat, India took the lives of at least 28 individuals, including nine children. At the time of the fire, there were over 300 visitors inside the two-story building, turning a leisurely holiday weekend into a horrific scene.
Witnesses at the scene reported the game zone being enveloped by substantial flames and dense smoke. Ilesh Kher, a Rajkot fire officer, explained that a temporary structure near the entrance had collapsed, trapping people inside. The fire spread quickly due to the presence of combustible materials.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with firefighters striving to control the fire. Still, the structure was engulfed by the flames. A local civil hospital police official noted the severe condition of some of the bodies, stating they were burned beyond recognition.
Rajkot’s Mayor, Nayana Pedhadiya, confirmed the death toll might increase and emphasized the focus on rescue operations and saving lives. She expressed determination to hold the responsible individuals accountable. The local community was stunned by the tragedy as rescue efforts extended into the night.
An investigation uncovered significant neglect on the part of the TRP game zone’s management. The facility had been operating illegally in a residential area for four years without the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). The game zone expanded to three stories using a ride certificate, avoiding thorough safety inspections. “This is a very tragic incident, and the guilty will not be spared. Justice will be served to all,” stated Subhash Trivedi, Chairman of the Special Investigation Team.
The fire’s origin remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest sparks from a welding machine ignited flammable materials on the premises, including approximately 528 gallons of petrol, ongoing welding work, and numerous tires, all without a proper fire NOC. The apparent disregard for safety protocols has sparked significant concerns about management’s responsibility and regulatory oversight.
Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s Chief Minister, stated that a Special Investigation Team had started investigating the incident. Patel added that the Rajkot police had arrested several individuals including the owner and manager of the TRP park in association with the fire and promised to take all necessary precautions to prevent future incidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, originating from Gujarat, responded to the incident on the social media platform X. “Extremely distressed by the fire. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected,” he stated. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced ex gratia payments to the deceased and injured families from the PM’s National Relief Fund.
The local community, still reeling from the shock, has united to mourn the loss and seek justice. A relative of one of the victims expressed their grief and frustration, stating, “We trusted the facility with our lives and the lives of our children. This negligence is unforgivable.”
