Tragedy in India. At least 24 people, among them many children, died in a fire Saturday at a playground in the western Indian state of Gujarat, a government official said.

With rescue operations continuing at the site in Razkot province, the local mayor told Reuters the death toll was expected to rise. A local official said at least 16 people had died.

More than 300 people were at the site, a two-storey structure, when the fire broke out, a Rajkot fire department official told reporters.

“We are focused on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure that those responsible for this incident are severely punished,” said Mayor Nayana Pehdandiya.

Television images showed a huge fire engulfing the playground and thick clouds of smoke in the sky. The entire infrastructure was destroyed by the flames.

An official at a local hospital said some of the bodies were charred to a degree which cannot be identified.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X that the local administration is working to provide relief to the affected. “I am deeply saddened by the fire accident in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi said.

The head of the fire department of the area, emphasized that the firefighters have put the fire under control. The fire spread quickly due to the construction’s flammable materials, he said.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained,” he said.

According to media, two people were arrested by the police in connection with the tragic incident.