May 27th 2024.
Yesterday, Giriraj Singh went through a difficult and heartbreaking ordeal. He spent hours waiting to recover the body of his beloved nephew, only to be told to go home as the remains were too damaged to be recognizable. The grief and pain in his voice were palpable as he recounted the tragic events to The Associated Press. Singh, a retired army officer, was devastated by the loss of his 24-year-old nephew, who had been with three friends at an amusement park when a massive fire broke out.
The incident occurred on a busy weekend, coinciding with schools' summer vacation in the state. The fire, which claimed the lives of 27 people, including children, took place at an amusement park in the city of Rajkot in western India. Singh's nephew and his friends were among the unfortunate victims. It was a horrifying scene, and the local police officer, Raju Bhargav, described the chaos and confusion that ensued as panicked visitors tried to escape the flames.
According to Bhargav, the owner of the amusement park, Yuvraj Singh Solanki, had purchased fire extinguishers and was in the process of installing a water fire impression system. However, he had been running the two-storey establishment without authorization from the fire department. As a result, Solanki and the park manager were arrested and charged with negligence that led to the deaths of innocent people.
The park's ground floor housed the reception area, while the first floor had various attractions such as bowling, go-carting, and trampolines. The Indian Express newspaper reported that the narrow gates at the park restricted a quick escape for the visitors, causing even more panic and chaos. Bhargav stated that the cause of the fire was still under investigation, but there had been ongoing construction work, and a spark from a welding machine may have triggered the blaze. He also mentioned that the rescue operation was completed, and teams were now working on clearing the debris.
The families of the victims were advised by doctors not to wait for the DNA tests to identify the remains, as it could take up to 48 hours. This news was devastating for many who were hoping to give their loved ones a proper farewell. The state's top elected official, Bhupendra Patel, visited the fire scene and a hospital where some injured persons were undergoing treatment. Bhargav stated that three people were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and burns, but their condition was not life-threatening.
The news of the fire quickly spread, and many expressed their condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media, expressing his distress and sending his thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy. Unfortunately, fires are not uncommon in India, where safety codes and building laws are often disregarded by builders and residents alike. Activists have accused civic authorities of negligence and apathy, and they claim that safety is often compromised to save money.
It's a sad reality that in 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short circuit claimed 43 lives in the Indian capital. And just last year, in 2022, a fire in a four-story commercial building in New Delhi killed at least 27 people. These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific fire. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
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