A fire in India has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, with four of them being children.
A fire erupted in a two-story complex providing leisure activities, including bowling and trampolining, on a Saturday evening. Authorities confirmed that there were over 300 individuals inside the premises.
The fire rapidly spread due to its proximity to flammable materials, causing confusion and difficulty for guests looking to escape. Several individuals shared their experiences with Indian media outlets, detailing that they had forcefully opened doors and leapt out of windows for their salvation.
One survivor told The Indian Express Newspaper, "We attempted to flee through a backdoor, but that was futile. I saw a beam of light outside, kicked the metal sheet down, and five of us leapt from the second story."
Police statements reported 27 fatalities, refuting the earlier claims of 24 deaths. This figure contained four young lives, under the age of 12. Their bodies were so badly burned that their identification was nearly impossible.
Local authorities spoke of identification efforts using DNA samples from the scene of the fire.
The investigation into the fire's origin remained underway, as reported by a government representative. Police had reportedly placed two suspects under arrest. Initially, it was mentioned that four individuals had been detained.
In a separate incident on the same day, a hospital in New Delhi experienced a fire which resulted in the deaths of six newborn babies. Fires are not uncommon in India due to inadequate safety measures and a severe deficiency of fire safety precautions. Public buildings often lack emergency exits and ineffective fire extinguishers.
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The amusement park tragedy on Sunday in Rajkot, Gujarat, left at least 27 people dead, including four children. The fire broke out on a Saturday evening in a leisure complex containing bowling alleys and trampolines, with over 300 people inside.
The fire quickly spread due to its proximity to flammable materials, leading to chaos as guests attempted to escape. Desperate measures were taken, such as forcefully opening doors and leaping from windows.
One survivor shared their harrowing experience with The Indian Express, detailing their escape through a backdoor and the tragic loss of five others. The deceased children were identified using DNA samples due to the severe burns they sustained.
Authorities arrested two suspects in connection with the fire, although earlier reports had mentioned four detentions. Fourteen other individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The tragedy sparked calls for improved fire safety measures in India, as public buildings often lack adequate emergency exits and ineffective fire extinguishers. The Prime Minister of India expressed his condolences and vowed to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The fire department played a crucial role in containing the fire and aiding the victims, working tirelessly throughout the night. They continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting a faulty electrical system as a possible cause.
The incident also highlighted the need for regular inspections and safety checks in amusement parks and other public places. The Rajkot Police and local authorities have announced their commitment to ensuring stricter enforcement of safety regulations in the city.
The loss of young lives in the Rajkot fire serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and the sacrifices made in the line of duty by firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Source: www.stern.de
