At least 24 people, including children, killed in fire in Gujarat, India | News

The fire broke out at a family entertainment venue in Rajkot district of Gujarat.

At least 24 people, including many children, died in a fire that broke out at a family entertainment venue in India's western state of Gujarat, a government official said.

As rescue efforts continued Saturday evening in Rajkot district, the local mayor told Reuters news agency that the death toll was expected to rise.

“We are focused on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure that strict action is taken against those responsible for this incident,” said Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya.

More than 300 people were in the two-story structure at the TRP amusement and theme park when the fire broke out on a public holiday weekend, Ilesh Kher, the firefighter at Rajkot.

“People became trapped when a temporary structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for them to escape,” he said.

“The flames spread quickly due to the flammable material,” he added.

Television images showed a massive fire engulfing the TRP playing area and thick clouds of smoke emanating from the venue. The entire structure was destroyed by the flames.

A police official at the local civil hospital said some bodies were also charred beyond recognition.

Meanwhile, district fire chief IV Kher said the fire brigade had almost brought the fire under control.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” he told Reuters.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said an investigation into the incident had been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and television reports added that two people were arrested by the Gujarat police. Rajkot in connection with the incident.

Gujarat is the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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