Deadly fire at amusement park in India

Officers said the cause of the fire was still under investigation, but they were considering charging the homeowner with the establishment of negligence.

NEW DELHI — A huge fire broke out at an amusement park in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Saturday, killing at least least 27 people, including children, police announced.

The fire broke out in Rajkot city park. Superintendent of Police Raju Bhargava said the fire was under control and a rescue operation was underway.

Radhika Bharai, a police officer, said told the Press Trust of India that 27 deaths have been confirmed so far, adding that the charred state of the bodies made identification difficult. Among the dead were four children under the age of 12.

The park is usually crowded on weekends, as families with children take advantage of the summer school holidays.

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Pictures show firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin-roofed structures that media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting attractions and trampoline.

Police said they arrested the owner and manager of the amusement park for questioning as they opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.

The amusement park is privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Mr Bhargava, the police commissioner, said a charge of negligence would be filed against him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on “extremely distressed by 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, where builders and residents often flout building and construction laws. security codes.