Local media reports indicate several of the victims were children.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but authorities fear more people, including children, may be trapped under debris.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel assigning a special investigation team to the case.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected,” Modi said in a statement on X.

“The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected”, he added. (ILKHA)