NEW DELHI (AP) — A major fire broke out at an amusement park in western India’s Gujarat state on Saturday, killing at least 27 people, including several children, police and media reports said.
The fire broke out in the park in the city of Rajkot in the state of Gujarat. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and a rescue operation was underway.
Police officer Vinayak Patel said it was difficult to identify the bodies.
Police said they have detained the amusement park’s owner and manager for questioning as they begin an investigation into the matter.
“So far, we have confirmed the death of 27 persons in the fire incident,” the Press Trust of India news agency quoted Patel as saying, adding that four children under the age of 12 were among the dead.
The park is usually full of families with children enjoying the school summer holidays during the weekend.
Footage showed firefighters clearing rubble around collapsed tin roof structures that media said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline rides.
The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Bhargava said the police would file a negligence case against him.
“We will register a criminal offense for negligence and the deaths that have occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely disturbed by the fire… in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.”
Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often ignore building laws and safety regulations.
