Rajkot, Gujarat – A devastating fire broke out at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot on Saturday (May 25), claiming the lives of at least 27 people, including nine children, according to police reports. The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinayak Patel described the scene as heartbreaking, stating, “The bodies are completely charred and it is difficult to identify them.” Family members of the victims have gathered outside Rajkot Civil Hospital, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones.
The owner of the gaming zone, along with two others, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of the fire, though it remains unknown at this time.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to social media platform X to announce that the state government will provide financial assistance to the affected families. “The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh (approx $4,800) to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 (approx $600) to the injured,” he posted. Additionally, the chief minister revealed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the incident thoroughly. The SIT has already begun collecting samples from the scene.
National leaders expressed their condolences following the tragedy. President Droupadi Murmu said she was “deeply anguished” by the loss of lives and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. “My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, including young children,” she stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, writing on X, “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.”
Local leaders, including Rajkot West MLA Darshita Shah, conveyed their grief and support. “A very sad incident took place today. This is the first time in Rajkot’s history that a fire in a gaming zone has led to the deaths of people, including children,” Shah said. She emphasized the government’s commitment to rescuing as many people as possible and holding accountable those whose negligence contributed to the tragedy.
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered the Municipal Corporation and local administration to prioritize rescue and relief operations. “Instructions have been given for immediate treatment arrangements for the injured,” he added.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the profound loss and seeks answers to prevent such a tragedy from recurring in the future.
