NEW DELHI — A fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, killing at least 22 people, including several children, police said.
The fire broke out in a park in Rajkot city. Police chief Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and rescue operations were underway.
Police officer Vinayak Patel confirmed that 22 people died in the fire. The New Delhi Television news channel reported that the death toll was 27.
The body was charred and difficult to identify, Patel said.
The park is usually packed on weekends with families with children enjoying their summer break from school.
Video showed firefighters clearing debris around the collapsed tin-roofed structure, which news outlets reported was used for bowling, go-karts and trampoline attractions.
The amusement park is privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Mr Bhargava said negligence charges would be filed against him.
“We will register incidents of negligence and deaths that occurred,” Mr Bhargava said. “We will conduct further investigation after the rescue operation is completed.”
The cause of the fire is 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 loved ones. Prayers for the injured,” he wrote.
Fires are common in India, with builders and residents often flouting building laws and safety norms.
