Rajkot fire kills 35, DNA tests to identify victims

Rajkot fire kills 35, DNA tests to identify victims

Rajkot: The fire at the Gamezone amusement park in Rajkot on May 25 resulted in the loss of 35 lives, leaving the victims charred to the extent that identification is possible only through DNA testing, officials shared.

According to reports, DNA samples were sent to Gandhinagar by air ambulance at 4:30 am. Results of these tests are expected within 48 hours. So far, 25 DNA samples have been sent, while relatives of two victims have not yet arrived.

According to sources, some relatives are from Junagadh and no immediate family member is present for a person who has come from abroad. Sixteen bodies are currently in cold storage at AIIMS and 11 others at the civil hospital.

“More than 27 bodies have been taken to Rajkot Hospital, where DNA samples will be collected before conducting post-mortems. The civil hospital in Rajkot is overwhelmed by the number of deaths. DNA samples from missing family members will also be collected to aid identification. It was reported that most of the victims are from Gondal, and 31 families are still searching for their missing children. More than 10 police teams are involved in documenting the incident, and the death toll could exceed 50,” sources said.

“The families of the injured are heartbroken and in mourning, unable to see their loved ones one last time due to the condition of the bodies,” added sources in Rajkot.

The government ordered an investigation and prosecution of those responsible.