Rajkot gaming zone was operating without fire license, lacked safety standards

• Image Credit: Google

• May 26, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

A total of 28 casualties, including nine children, have been confirmed so far. The bodies were severely charred, necessitating DNA sampling for identification, as stated by members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Digital Desk: The gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, where a tragic fire claimed the lives of more than 20 people on Saturday, did not had a No Objective Certificate (NOC) from the fire department, reports said. 

According to the information available, the gaming zone had only one route used as both entry and exit. Additionally, thousands of litres of petrol and diesel were stored in various pockets of the zone. This caused the fire to spread fast and resulted in burning the entire structure down.

A total of 28 casualties, including nine children, have been confirmed so far. The bodies were severely charred, necessitating DNA sampling for identification, as stated by members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site on Sunday to oversee relief operations, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi conversed with Patel to address the rescue efforts. The Chief Minister announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each victim's family and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Key developments in the Rajkot fire case include:

1. The gaming zone had a single, inadequate entry-exit point, with additional hazards like stored diesel for generators and petrol for go-kart racing.

1. A five-member SIT formed by the Gujarat government aims to submit a report within 72 hours to investigate the incident and prevent future occurrences. The team, led by Additional DGP Subhash Trivedi, arrived in Rajkot promptly.

1. While electrical faults are suspected, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters were deployed to the temporary structure, and rescue operations commenced promptly.

1. Three individuals, including the gaming zone owner and manager, have been arrested. A case has been filed against six individuals, including the owner, under various sections of the IPC.'

1. In response to the tragedy, the Gujarat DGP has ordered inspections of all gaming zones in the state, emphasizing fire safety compliance and closure of non-compliant establishments in coordination with municipal fire officers.