Dozens of children were killed in two separate incidents last night in Gujarat and Delhi. Apparently, the amusement park lacked the necessary permits, despite having been in operation for four years. The Bishop of Rajkot told : “Deeply saddened, we mourn with the families.”
Rajkot (/Agencies) – While World Children’s Day is celebrated in Rome with Pope Francis, India is currently facing two serious tragedies that affect the little ones and their families. At least 33 people, including many children, died in a fire that broke out last night at an amusement park in the city of Rajkot, in the state of Gujarat. At the time of the fire, the facilities were very busy, also because summer vacations are underway in India.
The ignition of the flames was allegedly due to some welding work. The amusement park, opened four years ago, had been built with temporary two-story structures and tin roofs. The local government is investigating the status of the structure, but it appears to have lacked the necessary authorization.
The victims’ bodies were destroyed by the fire, which left them unrecognizable. DNA samples are being collected from the bodies and relatives to identify the deceased.
“I am very saddened by the Rajkot fire,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible help to those affected.”
The bishop of Rajkot, Monsignor Jose Chittooparambil, also expressed to the pain of the diocese: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, we mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this fire, so many children have lost life. They were going to have fun and have a good time in the playground…. The whole city is shocked. This amusement park is located just 3 kilometers from the headquarters of the diocese. “We ask God to comfort the families and we stand in solidarity with them.”
A major fire also broke out last night at a private children’s hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, killing seven children and injuring five others.
“The government should take the necessary precautions to avoid other incidents like this and always defend the safety of its citizens,” added Father Vinod Kanatt, a religious of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate who has worked for 25 years in the diocese of Rajkot and is currently He is parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church in Chembalam, in the diocese of Idukki, in Kerala.
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