At Least 24 Dead in Amusement Park Fire in Western India

Mangled and burnt ceiling of a fun park is seen after a fire in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Chirag Chotaliya)
Mangled and burnt ceiling of a fun park is seen after a fire in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Chirag Chotaliya)
TT

At Least 24 Dead in Amusement Park Fire in Western India

Mangled and burnt ceiling of a fun park is seen after a fire in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Chirag Chotaliya)
Mangled and burnt ceiling of a fun park is seen after a fire in Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Chirag Chotaliya)

A massive fire broke out Saturday in an amusement park in Gujarat state in western India, leaving at least 24 people dead, police said.
The fire erupted at the park in the city of Rajkot in Gujarat state. 
The park is usually packed with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation over the weekend, The Associated Press reported.
Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin roof structures that media report said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.
The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki and Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said that police would file a case of negligence against him.
"We will be registering an offense for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. Further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operation," he said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was “extremely distressed by the fire ... in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured."
Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes.



Trump Inauguration to Be Moved Indoors Due to Cold

A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
TT

Trump Inauguration to Be Moved Indoors Due to Cold

A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)

Donald Trump said Friday that his inauguration as US president on Monday will be moved indoors due to expected freezing weather.

"There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country," Trump wrote on his app Truth Social. "Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda."

The dramatic change of plan means Trump will not stand on the Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall, which traditionally hosts a large crowd to welcome in new presidents.

The last time a president took the oath of office indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, who also moved the ceremony into the Capitol's ornate Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather.

Washington is forecast to be well below freezing on Monday, with the wind adding to the cold.

In his post, Trump said that "various Dignitaries and Guests" will attend the events inside the Capitol, including prayers, Trump's inaugural address, and singing of the anthem.

However, the Republican, who has built a political brand around his staging of large rallies, said supporters could watch the event on a live feed in Washington's Capital One sports arena -- and that he would go there after.

Trump, 78, said the ceremonies in the Rotunda "will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!"

"We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In."