Tragedy in Rajkot: Devastating Fire at Amusement Park Kills 27, Injures Many

A major fire broke out at an amusement park in Gujarat state in western India on Saturday, killing at least 27 people, including several children. The fire erupted at the park in the city of Rajkot in Gujarat state. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said that the blaze was under control and a rescue operation was underway.

**Rajkot, Gujarat, India** - A horrific fire tore through an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 27 people, including innocent children. The tragedy, which unfolded in the city of Rajkot, has left the community reeling in shock and grief.

According to police commissioner Raju Bhargava, the fire broke out at a privately owned amusement park, engulfing the facility in flames. As firefighters rushed to the scene, a massive rescue operation got underway. However, the intensity of the blaze and the resulting damage made it challenging to locate and identify the victims.

Police officer Vinayak Patel expressed the grim reality of the situation, stating that it was difficult to identify the bodies due to the severity of the burns. He confirmed the tragic loss of life, including four children under the age of 12.

Authorities have detained the owner and the manager of the amusement park for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Police commissioner Bhargava indicated that a case of negligence would be filed against the park's owner.

"We will be registering an offense for negligence and the deaths which have occurred," Bhargava stated. "Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation."

The amusement park, which was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, was a popular destination for families, especially during the weekend when children enjoyed their school summer vacations. Footage from the scene showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin roof structures that reportedly housed bowling, go-carting, and trampoline attractions.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, writing on Twitter: "Extremely distressed by the fire ... in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured."

Tragically, fires are not uncommon in India, where lax enforcement of building laws and safety codes often leads to disastrous consequences. The Rajkot amusement park fire is a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.