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A fire broke out at a gaming zone in Rajkot, which was operating without the necessary fire safety clearance and had only one exit.
An investigation has been launched to understand how the facility was functioning without proper licensing.
In response to the tragedy, the Gujarat state government will provide financial aid to the victims' families and those injured, while the gaming zone's owner and manager are under police scrutiny.

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Tragic fire kills 35 in Gujarat gaming zone

Rajkot fire: Gaming zone operated without fire NOC, 1 exit 

By Chanshimla Varah

May 26, 2024

12:24 pm

What's the story

The gaming zone where a catastrophic fire erupted in Gujarat's Rajkot city on Saturday evening was operating in violation of rules, according to reports. The fire at the amusement center erupted while it was bustling with people enjoying their summer vacation. The facility was particularly crowded due to a weekend scheme offering discounted tickets at ₹99. As of Sunday, 35 people, including 12 children, were reported to have died in the fire.

Regulatory lapses

Gaming zone lacked proper licensing and fire clearance

Official sources revealed that the gaming zone did not have the necessary licenses to operate, and no record of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for fire clearance was found. The facility had a single gate, measuring six to seven feet in height, serving as both an entry and exit point. Additionally, it had stored between 1500 and 2000- liters of diesel for generators and around 1000 and 1500- liters of petrol for go-karting, which exacerbated the intensity of the fire.

Inquiry initiated

Investigation launched into Rajkot gaming zone fire tragedy

Rajkot mayor Nayna Pedhadiya announced that an investigation will be initiated to determine how such a large gaming zone was operating without proper licensing. Pedhadiya stated firmly, "We will investigate how such a big game zone was functioning without a fire NOC and we are witnessing the consequences of it. No politics will be allowed over this issue." The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is suspected to have started due to a short circuit.

Government action

State government responds to Rajkot fire tragedy

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced that the state government will provide ₹4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for every injured person. The owner and manager of TRP Game Zone were detained by police for questioning on Saturday following the fire. The state director general of police has also issued instructions to inspect all game zones in Gujarat and close those operating without fire safety permission.