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Fire breaks out at amusement park in India, killing at least 24 people

Fire breaks out at amusement park in India, killing at least 24 people

A huge fire has broken out at an amusement park in western India, leaving at least 24 people dead.

The blaze happened at the park in the city of Rajkot, with the cause of the fire being investigated.

Many children are reported to be among those who died in the catastrophe in the Gujarat state, western India.

Flames were seen engulfing the TRP game zone and thick clouds of smoke rose into the sky.

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

Image:
The scene of the fire which has left at least 24 people dead. Pic: AP

The park is usually packed with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation over the weekend.

Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin roof structures that media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.

Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the flames were now under control and a case of negligence will be filed against the owner of the park.

The city’s mayor, Nayana Pedhadiya, also vowed that action would be taken.

He said: “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure strict action is taken against the people who are responsible for this incident.”

The cause of the fire is not yet confirmed, the district’s chief fire officer said.

Some 20 bodies were recovered. Pic: AP
Image:
The scene of the fire which has left at least 24 people dead. Pic: AP

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot”.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones,” he added.

“Prayers for the injured.”