Twenty people have died in a huge blaze that ripped through a gaming zone in India on Saturday evening, officials say – a relief and rescue operation is currently underway
Twenty people have died after a huge fire broke out at gaming arcade in Rajkot, India, with fears more victims – including children – may be trapped inside.
The blaze ripped through the arcade on Saturday evening, with multiple people rushed to hospital as police said they were “trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible”. A relief and rescue operation is ongoing, officials have said. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, a Rajkot police comissioner said the force will be registering “an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred.” Local police revealed that identifying bodies that have been heavily burned has so far proven difficult.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts are with all those affected by the blaze. He said in a statement: “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
President Droupadi Murmu said: “I am deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones including young children. I pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of those being rescued.”
Officials are now working to prioritise the treatment of those injured. Local police revealed that identifying bodies that have been heavily burned has proven difficult. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said: “Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot. It has also instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured.”