Orthodhaval at 02:31, 26 December 2025

2025-12-26T02:31:02Z

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{{Short description|Gaming zone fire in Rajkot}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox event
| image = 2024 Rajkot gaming zone fire.jpg
| caption = Still from a video showing the fire
| date = 25 May 2024
| location = [[Rajkot]], India
| coordinates = {{coord|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| type = Building fire
| reported deaths = 32
| missing =
| reported injuries = 9
}}

On 25 May 2024, a fire broke out at a gaming zone in [[Rajkot]], [[Gujarat]], India, killing 32 people.<ref name="AIMA Media">{{cite web |last1=Das |first1=Biswajit |title=Rajkot gaming zone fire death toll increased to 32 including 9 children |url=https://aimamedia.org/newsdetails.aspx?nid=263011 |website=AIMA Media |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=9 Children Among 27 Dead In Massive Fire At Gaming Zone In Gujarat's Rajkot a cause of the great fire was welding sparks initiated by a reckless employee named Amansh Bhalodia. |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-at-gaming-zone-in-gujarats-rajkot-casualties-feared-cops-5744212 |work=NDTV |date=26 May 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526073100/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-at-gaming-zone-in-gujarats-rajkot-casualties-feared-cops-5744212 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Background ==
{{Single source|date=May 2025|section}}
The gaming zone was built in 2024 in temporary structures that had tin roofs and two floors. There were insufficient fire extinguishers and emergency exits in the buildings according to reports. The building also did not possess the [[No Objection Certificate|required certification]] from the fire department.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Doshi |first=Brijesh |date=26 May 2024 |title=Rajkot gaming zone lacked fire department permit, had only one exit |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gujarat-rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-noc-clearance-lack-entry-exit-route-several-killed-latest-news-top-updates-2543981-2024-05-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526061012/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gujarat-rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-noc-clearance-lack-entry-exit-route-several-killed-latest-news-top-updates-2543981-2024-05-26 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref>

== Incident ==
{{More sources|section|small=y|date=May 2025}}
The fire was reportedly caused when sparks from welding fell onto a pile of plastic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nath |first=Sanstuti |date=2024-05-27 |title=Video Shows Welding Sparks Led To Massive Fire At Rajkot Gaming Zone That Killed 27 People |url=https://www.news18.com/india/rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-cctv-welding-sparks-piles-of-inflammable-material-plasic-caught-blaze-viral-video-8905119.html |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> There was only one exit in the first floor. Nearly 2,000 litres of diesel was stored at the TRP Game Zone for generators, while 1,000 to 1,500 litres of petrol was stored for go-kart racing, which made the fire almost uncontrollable. There were around 70 to 80 people at the time of fire.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajkot Gaming Zone Had Just One Exit, Was Running Without Fire License |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajkot-fire-live-updates-no-fire-license-one-exit-major-safety-violations-at-rajkot-game-zone-5747655 |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=[[NDTV]] }}</ref>

The fire resulted in the deaths of 32 people, including nine children.<ref name="AIMA Media"/><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajkot Fire Live Updates{{!}} 'Such gaming zones significant threat to public safety': Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognisance of fire incident |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajkot-game-zone-fire-live-updates-9351818/ |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=[[Indian express]] }}</ref>

== Investigation ==
The [[government of Gujarat]] formed a [[Special Investigation Team (India)|Special Investigation Team]] (SIT) to investigate the fire incident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kshatriya |first1=Dilip Singh |date=26 May 2024 |title=Gujarat: 27, including children, killed in Rajkot gaming zone fire accident |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/25/at-least-24-killed-in-massive-fire-at-gaming-zone-in-gujarats-rajkot |work=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526073056/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/25/at-least-24-killed-in-massive-fire-at-gaming-zone-in-gujarats-rajkot |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=24 June 2024 |title=RAJKOT FIRE TRAGEDY : A TECHNICAL OVERVIEW |url=https://firesafeworld.com/rajkot-fire-tragedy-a-technical-overview/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Fire Safe World |language=en-US |archive-date=13 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613044131/https://firesafeworld.com/rajkot-fire-tragedy-a-technical-overview/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi, was tasked with submitting a report within 72 hours and commenced its inquiry promptly upon arrival in [[Rajkot]].<ref name=":0" /> Initial investigations revealed that the fire originated from sparks during [[welding]] work, which ignited flammable materials stored nearby.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajkot game zone fire: What led to the 'man-made disaster' that killed 27? |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/rajkot-game-zone-fire-what-led-to-the-man-made-disaster-that-killed-27-124052700507_1.html }}</ref> The gaming zone was operating without the necessary [[fire safety]] permits and lacked adequate [[emergency exit]]s.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=4 Officials Arrested In Rajkot Gaming Zone Tragedy, Fire Chief Questioned |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-officials-arrested-in-rajkot-gaming-zone-tragedy-fire-chief-questioned-5782073 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Rajkot Game Zone Fire That Killed 27 Is Man-Made Disaster: Gujarat High Court |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajkot-game-zone-fire-that-killed-27-is-man-made-disaster-gujarat-high-court-5748411 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528004642/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajkot-game-zone-fire-that-killed-27-is-man-made-disaster-gujarat-high-court-5748411 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=26 May 2024 |title=Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognizance of Rajkot game zone fire, calls it 'man-made disaster' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-hc-takes-suo-motu-cognizance-of-rajkot-game-zone-fire-calls-it-man-made-disaster/articleshow/110436485.cms |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=27 May 2024 |title=Rajkot fire: Gujarat High Court fumes, says 'We don't trust state government now' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/gujarat-rajkot-game-zone-fire-high-court-were-you-asleep-we-dont-trust-government-anymore-2544268-2024-05-27 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528052216/https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/gujarat-rajkot-game-zone-fire-high-court-were-you-asleep-we-dont-trust-government-anymore-2544268-2024-05-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A [[First information report|First Information Report]] (FIR) was filed against six partners of the gaming zone on charges of [[culpable homicide]] not amounting to murder. Subsequently, the owner and manager were arrested, and FIRs were registered against six employees. As the investigation progressed, the number of accused increased to 11, with nine individuals arrested. One of the accused, Prakash Hiran, was killed in the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajkot Game Zone Fire: Probe Team Cites "Serious Negligence" By Officials, Owners |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajkot-game-zone-fire-probe-team-cites-serious-negligence-by-officials-owners-5809141 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en }}</ref> The [[Gujarat High Court]] took [[Sua sponte|''suo motu'']] cognizance of the incident, describing it as a "man-made disaster." The court observed that such gaming zones and recreational facilities had been established without requisite approvals from competent authorities.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2" /> It directed [[municipal corporation]]s to provide information on the legal provisions under which these establishments were permitted to operate.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" />

In response to the incident, the [[Government of Gujarat|Gujarat government]] suspended nine officials, including the [[Chief fire officer|Chief Fire Officer]] and other municipal personnel, citing [[gross negligence]] in allowing the gaming zone to operate without necessary approvals.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3" /> Additionally, four government officials, including town planning officers and a former fire station officer, were arrested in connection with the tragedy.<ref name=":3" />

== Aftermath ==
Following the incident, the Gujarat DGP instructed all gaming zones in the state to be inspected and close those operating without fire safety permits. It also directed police to conduct the procedure in coordination with municipal fire officers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajkot Fire Live Updates{{!}} 'Such gaming zones significant threat to public safety': Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognisance of fire incident |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajkot-game-zone-fire-live-updates-9351818/ |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=[[Indian express]] }}</ref><ref name=":1" />

The Chief Minister of Gujarat [[Bhupendra Patel]] announced an ex gratia of ₹400,000 to the kin of each of the dead and ₹50,000 to each injured.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |date=26 May 2024 |title=Rajkot gaming zone fire: 'Shocked' Gujarat high court takes suo motu cognizance. 'Man-made disaster…' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-gujarat-high-court-takes-suo-motu-cognizance-trp-game-zone-101716705893044.html |work=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526170006/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-gujarat-high-court-takes-suo-motu-cognizance-trp-game-zone-101716705893044.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 May 2024 |title=Rajkot game zone fire: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to kin of deceased |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rajkot-game-zone-fire-pm-modi-announces-rs-2-lakh-ex-gratia-to-kin-of-deceased/articleshow/110440812.cms?from=mdr |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 }}</ref> He also visited the scene of the fire and met with victims of the disaster in hospital. Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] expressed condolences and prayers for the victims.<ref name="apfire">{{Cite news |title=Bodies of 27 'burnt beyond recognition' after a massive fire in Indian amusement park, relatives say |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-distraught-relatives-fire-amusement-park-fire-8662fcb08cf3e5c5d8230ce8fc1ed806 |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |archive-date=20 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241020215027/https://apnews.com/article/india-distraught-relatives-fire-amusement-park-fire-8662fcb08cf3e5c5d8230ce8fc1ed806 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] expressed his condolences, stating on [[Twitter|X]] that he was "extremely distressed" by the disaster. He also announced an [[ex gratia]] of ₹2 [[lakh]] from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the [[next of kin]] of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Modi expresses grief at loss of lives in Rajkot fire tragedy |url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/pm-modi-expresses-grief-at-loss-of-lives-in-rajkot-fire-tragedy/1531806 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Press Trust Of India |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615132326/https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/pm-modi-expresses-grief-at-loss-of-lives-in-rajkot-fire-tragedy/1531806 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Modi expresses grief at loss of lives in Gujarat's Rajkot fire tragedy |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-grief-at-loss-of-lives-in-gujarat-s-rajkot-fire-tragedy-124052501271_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719231227/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-grief-at-loss-of-lives-in-gujarat-s-rajkot-fire-tragedy-124052501271_1.html |archive-date=19 July 2024 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Business Standard |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2024 |title=PM Modi 'extremely distressed' after Rajkot fire, condolences pour in |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/fire-mishap-in-rajkot-pm-modi-tributes-9351946/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718065631/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/fire-mishap-in-rajkot-pm-modi-tributes-9351946/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2024 |title=Rajkot game zone fire: PM announces compensation of Rs 2 Lakh for kin of deceased |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/rajkot-game-zone-fire-pm-announces-compensation-of-rs-2-lakh-for-kin-of-deceased-9353656/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 May 2024 |title=Rajkot game zone fire: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to kin of deceased |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rajkot-game-zone-fire-pm-modi-announces-rs-2-lakh-ex-gratia-to-kin-of-deceased/articleshow/110440812.cms?from=mdr |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 }}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[2020 Vijayawada fire]]
*[[Bangalore circus fire]]
*[[2023 Kohima fire]]
*[[2013 Kolkata market fire]]
*[[2019 Surat fire]]
*[[Delhi hotel fire]]
*[[Kamala Mills fire]]
*[[Srirangam marriage hall fire]]
*[[Uphaar Cinema fire]]
*[[2006 Kolkata leather factory fire]]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Building and structure fires in India]]
[[Category:2024 disasters in India|Rajkot]]
[[Category:2024 fires in Asia|Rajkot]]
[[Category:2020s in Gujarat]]
[[Category:May 2024 in India|Rajkot]]
[[Category:Disasters in Gujarat]]

2024 Rajkot gaming zone fire-262439 - Revision history

Orthodhaval at 02:31, 26 December 2025