The Special Investigating Team (SIT) investigating the fire at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, revealed several critical lapses and previous incidents that contributed to the tragedy. The fire, which occurred on May 25, led to the deaths of 27 people and highlighted severe negligence and regulatory failures.
### Key Findings of the SIT Report:
1. **Previous Incident**:
  - A fire had broken out at the TRP Game Zone in September 2023 due to welding activities.Â
  - The fire brigade was called to extinguish the fire, but no action was taken regarding the lack of fire safety measures at that time.
2. **Structural and Safety Violations**:
  - The game zone lacked separate entry and exit gates, having only one narrow passage for visitors.
  - There was no mandatory emergency exit, violating safety regulations.
  - The facility had only a single narrow iron staircase, 4 to 5 feet wide, which served as the only means to access the first floor. This made escape difficult as the fire spread.
3. **Regulatory Oversight**:
  - In June 2023, the Town Planning Department of Rajkot issued a notice to demolish the illegal structure of the gaming zone. However, the structure was neither demolished nor regularized by the owners.
  - Despite the earlier fire and structural notices, no corrective measures were implemented.
4. **Fire Incident on May 25**:
  - A video taken days before the incident showed welding work on the lower floor with several foam sheets nearby.
  - On the day of the fire, sparks from welding fell on the foam sheets, intensifying the blaze and leading to a catastrophic fire.
### Legal and Administrative Actions:
- **Arrests**:
 - Nine persons, including four owners and a manager of TRP Game Zone, have been arrested.
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- **Suspensions**:
 - Nine officials have been suspended for alleged "gross negligence in allowing the game zone to operate without necessary approvals."
### Conclusion:
The SIT report underscores severe lapses in safety measures and regulatory enforcement, contributing to the tragedy at TRP Game Zone. The failure to act on previous warnings and the lack of adequate fire safety infrastructure were critical factors in the high casualty rate. The incident has prompted legal and administrative actions against those responsible, reflecting the need for stringent adherence to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
