Fire in amusement park in western India claims at least 20 lives, police say

On Saturday, a major fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat, killing at least 20 people, according to police.

The fire broke out in a park in the city of Rajkot in the state of Gujarat. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and rescue operations were underway. 20 bodies had been recovered.

The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Bhargava said the police would file a complaint against him for negligence.

“We will file a criminal complaint for negligence and the deaths that occurred. Further investigations will be carried out once we have completed the rescue operation,” he said.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely shocked by the fire… in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.”

Fires are common in India because builders and residents disregard building codes and safety regulations.