India: four children among 27 dead in amusement park fire

Lines of bodies draped in white fabrics were spread out before being evacuated from the center of Rajkot, a city in the western state of Gujarat.

The four dead children were all under the age of 12, said police, who warned that many of the bodies were so badly burned that it was difficult to identify them.

More than 300 people were enjoying the summer holiday weekend at the two-story structure of the TRP amusement and theme park when the fire broke out Saturday evening, Ilesh Kher, the firefighter at Rajkot, the night of the fire.

“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 of the structure, he added.

“We have confirmed the death of 27 people in the fire,” police officer Radhika Bharai told reporters overnight, updating the previous toll of 24 people.

“The bodies are charred beyond recognition and therefore their identification is difficult.”

Other officers warned that the toll could rise further.

Survivors recalled their horror as they struggled to escape the fire.

“We were bowling when two staff members told us there was a fire downstairs and we had to leave. The area quickly filled with smoke,” Pruthvirajsinh Jadeja told The newspaper. Indian Express.

“We tried to escape through the back door, but we couldn't. I saw a beam of light coming from outside. I knocked down the sheet metal and five of us ran out. jumping from the first floor.”

Jadeja added that at least 70 people, including children, were on the first floor when the fire broke out.

An Instagram page that appears to belong to the entertainment center presents it as an amusement and theme park, where, among other recreational activities, trampolining, go-karting, bowling and paintball are offered.

Authorities said at least four people were detained for questioning.

Gujarat is the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was “extremely distressed by the fire” in a message on social media.

Fires are common in India due to poor construction practices, overcrowding and lack of compliance with safety regulations.