NEW DELHI — A massive fire broke out Saturday in an amusement park in Gujarat state in western India, killing at least 22 people, including several children, the police said.

The fire erupted at the park in the city of Rajkot. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the blaze was under control and a rescue operation was underway.

Vinayak Patel, a police officer, confirmed the deaths of 22 people in the fire. The New Delhi Television news channel reported a death toll of 27.

The bodies were charred and it was difficult to identify them, Mr. Patel said.

The park is usually packed on weekends, with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation.

Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin-roof structures that news media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.

The amusement park is privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Mr. Bhargava said that a charge of negligence would be filed against him.

“We will be registering an offense for negligence and the deaths which have occurred,” Mr. Bhargava said. “Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation.”

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely distressed by the fire” in Rajkot. “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured,” he wrote.

Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes.

Source link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/25/world/asia/india-fire-amusement-park.html