Twenty-seven people, including four children, died when a fire broke out in a crowded amusement park in India on Saturday, while rescue workers combed the site on Sunday morning. Indian media reported on Sunday that survivors had to smash doors and jump from windows to escape the blaze, which erupted in a center packed with young people enjoying recreational games including bowling. The fire occurred in Rajkot, in the western state of Gujarat. The bodies were wrapped in white shrouds before being removed from the scene. The police stated that the four children reported dead were under the age of 12 and warned that many of the bodies were burned to a degree that made identification difficult.
Elish Khair, a firefighter in Rajkot, told reporters that more than 300 people were in a two-story building at the TRP amusement park when the fire broke out during the weekend. He added, "People were trapped when a temporary structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for them to escape," explaining that the flames spread quickly due to the combustible materials present in the hall.
Police officer Radika Bharai confirmed to reporters in the evening, "We have confirmed the deaths of 27 people in the fire," updating a previous toll of 24. She noted, "The bodies are charred to the point of being unrecognizable, making it difficult to identify the deceased." Survivors recounted the terror they experienced while trying to flee the fire. One eyewitness recounted to the Indian Express, "We were bowling when two employees informed us that there was a fire on the ground floor and we needed to leave. Soon the place filled with smoke." He continued, "We tried to escape through the back door, but we couldn't. I saw a beam of light coming from outside. I kicked a sheet of metal and five of us got out, jumping from the first floor," estimating that around 70 people, including children, were present on the first floor.
