• Source:JND
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Rajkot fire news: As many as 24 people, including children, were killed after a massive fire swept through the gaming zone of a mall in Gujarat's Rajkot on Saturday evening. Several children were present at the game zone, located on Nana-Mava Road, as the tragedy unfolded. The number of casualties is expected to rise as dousing operations continue.

The fire broke out around 5 pm at a fibre dome for gaming activities and several persons were playing games when the blaze erupted, news agency PTI cited officials as saying. The reason behind the fire was not clear till last reported.

Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the owner and the manager of the TRP game zone have been detained for interrogation.

WATCH: Massive Fire Engulfs TRP Game Zone In Rajkot

Video of the incident showed the structure engulfed in huge flames. Dark clouds of smoke could be seen rising from the game zone.

The firefighters initially faced difficulty in dousing the fire due to wind velocity, according to fire officer IV Kher. "We are facing difficulty in the firefighting operation because the temporary structure has collapsed and due to wind velocity," he said.

See Pics From The Site Of Fire At Rajkot's TRP Game Zone 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the deaths and assured all possible assistance to those affected. "Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected," PM Modi said on X.

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Responding to the fire, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel instructed the city administration to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident. "Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot. It has been instructed to prioritise arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured," Patel tweeted.

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