Mamata Banerjee condoles Rajkot fire tragedy deaths

Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday condoled the deaths of several people in a massive fire in Gujarat's Rajkot. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families.

"Shocked to know about the devastating fire at Rajkot, Gujarat, resulting in tragic loss of several lives. The fire at the game zone has reportedly trapped many others which is also unnerving," Banerjee wrote on her X handle. "My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy. My sincere condolences," she added.

At least 27 persons, including four children under the age of 12, were killed in a massive fire that swept through a game zone teeming with people enjoying a summer vacation outing in Gujarat's Rajkot city on Saturday evening, officials said, adding the death toll is likely to go up.

Meanwhile, Members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) held a meeting with local administration in Gujarat's Rajkot city in the wee hours of Sunday in connection with the fire at a game zone fire here that left 27 persons dead and three injured.

The bodies were charred beyond recognition. The DNA samples of the bodies and the victim's relatives have been collected for identification of the deceased, they said.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the incident site at Nana-Mava road on Sunday morning and a hospital where the injured persons were admitted.
The owner and manager of the game zone have been arrested, officials said.

Four children under the age of 12 were among the 27 persons killed in the massive fire that swept through a game zone teeming with people enjoying a summer vacation outing on Saturday evening, as per the officials.

The five-member SIT formed by the state government, to conduct a probe into the incident and submit a report within 72 hours, reached Rajkot late Saturday night and held a meeting with the local administration.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi also reached Rajkot late Saturday night and attended the meeting. "The prime minister has sought the information of the incident from the chief minister and has expressed grief. The PM has directed that strong action be taken against the culprits," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)