NEW DELHI — A huge fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, killing at least 27 people, including children, police said.
The fire broke out in Rajkot city park. Superintendent of Police Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and a rescue operation was underway.
Radhika Bharai, a police officer, told the Press Trust of India that 27 people had been confirmed dead so far, adding that the charred state of the bodies made identification difficult. Among the dead were four children under the age of 12.
The park is usually crowded on weekends, as families with children take advantage of the summer school holidays.
Footage shows firefighters clearing debris around the collapsed tin-roofed structures that media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.
Police said they detained the amusement park’s owner and manager for questioning as they launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The amusement park is owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Mr. Bhargava, the police commissioner, said a charge of negligence would be filed against him.
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 loved ones. Prayers for the injured,” he wrote.
Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes.
