At least 27 people killed in amusement park fire in western India, police say

NEW DELHI — A major fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, killing at least 27 people, including several children, police and media said .

The fire broke out in a park in the city of Rajkot, in the state of Gujarat. Superintendent of Police Raju Bhargava said the fire was brought under control and a rescue operation was underway.

Police officer Vinayak Patel said it was difficult to identify the bodies.

Police said they had arrested the owner and manager of the amusement park for questioning as part of an investigation into the incident.

“So far, we have confirmed the death of 27 people in the fire,” Patel was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency, adding that the dead included four children under the age of 12.

The park is usually full of families with children enjoying the summer school holidays on the weekends.

Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin roof structures which media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.

The amusement park was owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Bhargava said the police would file a case of negligence against him.

“We will register an offense for negligence and for the deaths that occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely upset by the fire…in Rajkot.” My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.

Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes.