On Saturday, May 25, 2024, a disastrous fire broke out in the TRP amusement and theme park in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, resulting in the death of at least 28 individuals, including nine children. Over 300 park-goers were inside the two-story building when the fire began, turning a leisurely holiday weekend into a horrifying ordeal.
Witnesses described massive flames and dense smoke engulfing the gaming area. Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher explained, “People got trapped as a temporary structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for the people to come out.” The fire spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials.
First responders reacted promptly, with firefighters battling relentlessly to contain the fire. However, despite their efforts, the structure was completely destroyed by the fire. One police official at the local civil hospital reported that some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
Rajkot Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya confirmed that the death count might increase, stating, “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action against the people responsible for this incident.” Rescue operations continued into the late hours, with the local community struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Investigations exposed significant negligence by the TRP game zone’s management. The facility had been operating illegally in a residential area for four years without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). Moreover, the gaming area had expanded to three stories by securing a ride certificate, thereby avoiding thorough safety inspections. “This is a very tragic incident, and the guilty will not be spared. Justice will be served to all,” vowed Subhash Trivedi, Chairman of the Special Investigation Team.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that sparks from a welding machine ignited highly flammable materials stored on the premises, such as over 528 gallons of petrol and numerous tires, amid ongoing welding work; all without an appropriate fire NOC. This disregard for safety regulations raises severe concerns about management’s responsibility and the oversight of regulatory authorities.
Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated, “a Special Investigation Team has started investigating the incident,” adding that several individuals have been detained by Rajkot police in relation to the fire. Patel assured that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, expressed his response to the incident on social media platform X. “Extremely distressed by the fire. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected,” he posted. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced payments from the PM’s National Relief Fund to the families of the deceased and injured.
The local community, still in shock, has united in mourning and demanding justice. “We trusted the facility with our lives and the lives of our children. This negligence is unforgivable,” expressed a bereaved relative of one of the victims.
