At least 27 dead in amusement park fire packed with children on school holiday

A massive fire has broken out at an amusement park leaving at least 27 people dead, including four children, and more feared trapped.

The fire erupted at the park popular with families with children in Rajkot, western India in Gujarat state.

Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and the rescue operation under way with 20 bodies recovered.

Identifying the bodies has also been difficult due to the extent of burning, local police said.

It is feared children are among those trapped as the park was in the midst of a busy period during the school holidays.

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

The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Mr Bhargava said that police will file a case of negligence against him.

‘We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation,’ he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was ‘extremely distressed by the fire … in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.’

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.’

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