A devastating fire that broke out at a nightclub in North Goa's Mapusa area has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 23 lives. The incident, which occurred late on Saturday night, has sent shockwaves across the coastal state known for its vibrant nightlife and tourism.
Prime Minister's Immediate Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took swift note of the tragedy. He spoke directly with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday morning to take stock of the situation. The Prime Minister expressed his profound grief over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. In a significant gesture of support, PM Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person. Furthermore, he announced that the injured would receive Rs 50,000 each.
"The fire tragedy at a nightclub in Mapusa, Goa is heart-rending. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister stated in a social media post, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
Details of the Mapusa Nightclub Fire
The fire erupted at a nightclub located in the Pilerne Industrial Estate area of Mapusa. Initial reports suggest the blaze started around 11:30 PM on Saturday. The venue was reportedly crowded at the time, leading to a high casualty figure. Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the spot and battled the flames for several hours. The rescue operation, which involved retrieving bodies from the charred structure, continued through the night and was concluded by Sunday morning.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early on Sunday to assess the damage and oversee the relief efforts. He confirmed the grim toll and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire. The state government has also announced its own compensation package for the victims' families, aligning with the central support.
Aftermath and Official Actions
The tragic event has prompted immediate calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms at public establishments, especially entertainment venues. Authorities have sealed the premises as a part of the investigation process. Forensic teams are expected to examine the site to pinpoint the origin and cause of the inferno.
The incident is one of the deadliest fire tragedies in Goa's recent history, casting a pall over the state's tourism-centric economy. Local administration and police are working to identify all the victims and complete the necessary formalities. The community and leaders across the political spectrum have united in expressing their sorrow and solidarity with the affected families during this period of immense grief.
As Goa mourns, the focus remains on providing all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensuring proper medical care for those injured. The combined response from the central and state governments highlights the severity of the disaster and the urgent need to prevent such catastrophes in the future.
