Fire breaks out at amusement park in India, killing at least 27 people including children
The cause of the fire in Rajkot in Gujarat state is being investigated, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he is “extremely distressed” by the blaze.

Saturday 25 May 2024 21:11, UK

The fire broke out an amusement park in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat. Pic: AP
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The fire broke out an amusement park in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat. Pic: AP
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A huge fire at an amusement park in western India has killed at least 27 people including children.

The blaze happened in the city of Rajkot in the Gujarat state, with the cause of the fire being investigated.

Flames were seen engulfing the site and thick clouds of smoke rose into the sky.

Police officer Vinayak Patel said 27 people are confirmed to have died, including four children under the age of 12.

A police official at the local civil hospital said some of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

The scene of the fire which has left at least 20 people dead. Pic: AP
Image:
The scene of the fire. Pic: AP
The park is usually packed with families with children enjoying the school summer holiday over the weekend.

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

Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the flames were now under control and a case of negligence will be filed against the owner of the park.

The city’s mayor Nayana Pedhadiya also vowed that action would be taken.

He said: “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident.”

The cause of the fire is not yet confirmed, the district’s chief fire officer said.

Some 20 bodies were recovered. Pic: AP
Image:
Pic: AP
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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot”.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones,” he added.

“Prayers for the injured.”