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NEW DELHI \u2014 A massive fire broke out Saturday in an amusement park in Gujarat state in western India, killing at least 22 people, including several children, the police said.<\/p>\n
The fire erupted at the park in the city of Rajkot. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the blaze was under control and a rescue operation was underway.<\/p>\n
Vinayak Patel, a police officer, confirmed the deaths of 22 people in the fire. The New Delhi Television news channel reported a death toll of 27.<\/p>\n
The bodies were charred and it was difficult to identify them, Mr. Patel said.<\/p>\n
The park is usually packed on weekends, with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin-roof structures that news media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.<\/p>\n
The amusement park is privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Mr. Bhargava said that a charge of negligence would be filed against him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be registering an offense for negligence and the deaths which have occurred,\u201d Mr. Bhargava said. \u201cFurther investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cause of the fire was under investigation.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was \u201cextremely distressed by the fire\u201d in Rajkot. \u201cMy thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n