Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire: CCTV footage reveals how did blaze began | VIDEO

New Delhi: The Gujarat High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic Rajkot Gaming Zone fire that claimed the lives of 28 people, including 4 children. A hearing regarding the accident is expected to take place today.

CCTV footage Shows welding sparks triggering blaze

Two days after the devastating fire, heart-wrenching CCTV footage has surfaced, revealing the cause of the inferno. The video shows sparks erupting from welding equipment, quickly engulfing the entire gaming zone within minutes. Police have arrested the owner, Yuvraj Singh Solanki, and his manager, Nitin Jain, on charges including culpable homicide.

VIDEO | CCTV footage of fire that broke out at game zone in Rajkot yesterday, leading to the death of 27 people.#Rajkotfire pic.twitter.com/bvmi1YQ36I

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2024

40-Second video captures frantic escape attempts

The 40-second video released by PTI news agency paints a harrowing picture of the fire's destructive path. As sparks fly, flammable materials are seen dangerously close to the welding area. The footage shows individuals desperately trying to remove these items once the fire breaks out.

Missing fire safety clearance raises questions

Investigations have revealed a crucial lapse in safety measures. Rajkot Police Commissioner (CP) Raju Bhargava confirmed that the gaming zone lacked the mandatory fire safety clearance from the municipal corporation. Although the owners had presented bills indicating the purchase of fire safety equipment, they failed to obtain the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).

सरकार के नाम पर सिर्फ मुजरा चल रहा है।
क्या फायर सेफ्टी क्लीयरेंस था? आग बुझाने के लिए क्या प्रबंध किया हुआ था?
परमिशन किसने दिया था?
पहले मोरबी ब्रिज में 165 लोगों को मार दिया था और आज आग लगने से 24 लोग मर गए।
गुजरात मॉडल है या कुछ और? चल क्या रहा है #RajkotFire #Fire pic.twitter.com/08Zk0dBrKO

— कन्नौज बाला🌐 (@kannauj_bala) May 25, 2024

Arrests made, search for other accused continues

Police have arrested Solanki, Jain, and four other individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to culpable homicide, attempted culpable homicide, causing hurt, and abetment. The search for the remaining four accused is ongoing.

SIT to submit preliminary report within three days

Following the tragedy, the state government formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The team, led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi, comprises experts from technical education, forensic science, fire safety, and infrastructure. During a meeting with Rajkot officials, the SIT was directed to submit a preliminary report within three days.

DNA testing to identify victims

DNA testing is underway to identify the victims, many of whom were severely burned beyond recognition. This process is expected to conclude today, bringing much-needed closure to grieving families. As of now, 25 out of 27 victims have been identified, including two children.