A devastating fire broke out at the TRP amusement and theme park in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, on the evening of May 25, 2024, resulting in the death of at least 28 individuals, including several children. At the time of the incident, over 300 visitors were inside the two-story building, transforming a leisurely holiday weekend into a horrifying scene.
Witnesses described towering flames and dense smoke that covered the gaming area. Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher explained that a collapse of a temporary structure near the entrance trapped people inside. The fire spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials.
Emergency responders arrived promptly, with firefighters relentlessly working to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, the structure was severely damaged. A police official from the local civil hospital reported that some of the bodies were charred beyond identification.
Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya acknowledged that the death toll might increase, stating, “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action against the people responsible for this incident.” The local community was left in shock as rescue operations continued into the night.
Investigations into the incident found considerable negligence on the part of the TRP game zone’s management. They had been operating illegally in a residential area for four years without the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). Additionally, they expanded to three stories by acquiring a ride certificate, thereby avoiding comprehensive safety checks. “This is a very tragic incident, and the guilty will not be spared. Justice will be served to all,” stated Subhash Trivedi, Chairman of the Special Investigation Team.
The fire’s cause is still being investigated. Early reports indicate that sparks from a welding machine ignited highly flammable materials stored on the premises, including roughly 528 gallons of petrol, ongoing welding operations, and multiple tires, all without a proper fire NOC. This has raised serious concerns about the management’s responsibility and regulatory oversight.
Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that a Special Investigation Team had begun investigating the incident. He added that several people had been detained by Rajkot police in connection with the fire. Patel promised that all necessary actions would be taken to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, expressed his thoughts on the incident on the social media platform X. He wrote, “Extremely distressed by the fire incident. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.” The Prime Minister’s Office also declared ex gratia payments to the families of the deceased and injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund.
The local community, still in shock, has united to mourn the loss and demand justice. “We trusted the facility with our lives and the lives of our children. This negligence is unforgivable,” expressed a grieving relative of one of the victims.