TRP gaming zone lacked fire NOC, had single exit: report | Rajkot tragedy

The massive fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, resulting in the deaths of 28 people, including 9 children, has raised serious questions about safety standards at the facility. NDTV citing officials said, the amusement center was operating without a no-objection certificate (NOC) for fire clearance and had only one exit.

The report, citing sources further said that the gaming zone, named TRP, was crowded due to a weekend discount offer with tickets priced at just ₹99. While it is suspected that the fire might have started due to a short circuit, officials noted that the exact cause would only be determined after a thorough investigation.

A fire department official mentioned that the reason for the fire was yet to be ascertained. The official explained that efforts to extinguish the fire were ongoing but were complicated by the collapse of the temporary structure and high wind velocity.

Officials stated that the bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA samples from the bodies and the victims' relatives had been collected for identification.

According to sources, the gaming zone did not possess the necessary licenses to operate and lacked an NOC for fire clearance from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. This failure in regulatory compliance has come under sharp scrutiny following the disaster. Rajkot Mayor Nayna Pedhadiya, who oversaw the rescue operations, confirmed the absence of a fire NOC, asserting that the issue would be thoroughly investigated.

Additionally, Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher informed reporters that the facility had only one emergency exit and that a temporary structure near the entrance collapsed, making it difficult for people to escape.

In the aftermath, the owner and manager of the TRP game zone were detained for questioning. The state director general of police has issued instructions to police commissioners and superintendents to inspect all gaming zones in Gujarat and shut down those operating without fire safety permission. This inspection is to be carried out in coordination with municipal fire officers.

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