At least 24 people, including children, died in a fire in the Indian state of Gujarat | News

The fire broke out in a family entertainment venue in Rajkot district of Gujarat.

A fire at a family entertainment venue in the western Indian state of Gujarat has killed at least 24 people, including many children, a government official said.

While rescue operations were still ongoing in Rajkot district on Saturday evening, the city’s mayor told Reuters that the death toll was expected to rise further.

“Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure that strict action is taken against those responsible for this incident,” said Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya.

More than 300 people were in the two-storey building of TRP amusement and theme park when the fire broke out as it was a holiday weekend, Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher told reporters.

“People were trapped when a makeshift structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for people to get out,” he said.

“Because of the flammable material, the flames spread quickly,” he added.

Television images showed a massive fire engulfing the TRP gaming area and thick clouds of smoke rising from the premises. The entire building was destroyed by the blaze.

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

Meanwhile, district chief fire officer IV Kher said firefighters had almost brought the fire under control.

“The cause of the fire has yet to be determined,” he told Reuters.

Gujarat state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the investigation into the incident had been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Television reports added that Rajkot police had arrested two people in connection with the incident.

Gujarat is the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi said he was “extremely saddened by the fire accident in Rajkot,” adding that the local administration was working to provide assistance to those affected.