Rajkot fire tragedy at the TRP Game Zone

A tragic fire accident occurred at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on the evening of May 25, 2024. The fire, which broke out at around 5 pm, resulted in the loss of at least 27 lives, including nine children. The victims were mostly students and children who were playing games when the fire engulfed the premises. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that the blaze erupted due to a short circuit caused by the hot weather, which led to the electric wiring not being able to handle the load. The Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav stated that the cause of the fire would be thoroughly investigated. The gaming zone, constructed using metal and fiber sheets for gaming activities, lacked proper safety measures. The structure collapsed under the intensity of the fire, leading to the high death toll. The state government announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured. The incident has raised concerns about the safety standards in entertainment zones across the state. The Gujarat High Court has called for an investigation into the incident, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. The owner and manager of the TRP Game Zone have been detained for questioning. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many families mourning the loss of their loved ones. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring the well-being of visitors in public spaces.