At least 20 killed in Indian gaming zone fire incident

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – At least 20 people were killed in a massive fire incident in a gaming zone in India's western state of Gujarat, officials said on Saturday.

The fire broke out in afternoon hours and 20 bodies have been recovered, Raju Bhargava, a top police officer in the state's Rajkot city, where the incident took place, told reporters.

Saying that the fire had been controlled, the officer said rescue operations were underway in the affected area.

He said police will be registering an "offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred." Local media said children were also among the victims.

State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel wrote on X that he issued instructions to the municipal corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, said the "fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all."

"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," he said on X.

Modi also spoke to Patel on the efforts underway "to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected."