KATHMANDU: A devastating fire erupted Saturday evening at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat, claiming the lives of at least 24 individuals, including numerous children, as confirmed by a government official. The park, typically bustling with families enjoying weekend summer vacations, became a scene of tragedy as the blaze engulfed structures used for various attractions like bowling, go-karting, and trampolining.

Rescue efforts were swiftly initiated in the Rajkot district, where the park is located, with firefighters navigating through debris and collapsed tin roofs. Despite their efforts, the death toll was anticipated to rise, according to the local mayor Nayana Pedhadiya, who emphasized the priority of saving lives and pledged strict action against those responsible for the incident.

Television footage depicted the magnitude of the fire, which consumed the TRP game zone and emitted thick plumes of smoke, ultimately gutting the entire structure. Tragically, some of the bodies recovered from the site were so severely charred that they were beyond recognition, as reported by a police official at the local civil hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the mishap, conveying solidarity with the affected families and affirming that local authorities were mobilizing assistance efforts. Meanwhile, the district's chief fire officer, IV Kher, stated that firefighters had made significant progress in containing the blaze, although the cause of the fire remained undetermined.

The amusement park, privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki, came under scrutiny, with Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava announcing plans to file a negligence case against the owner. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an investigation into the incident by a Special Investigation Team, as reports emerged of two individuals being detained by Rajkot police in connection with the tragedy.