A devastating fire at a nightclub in North Goa's Arpora area has resulted in the tragic loss of twenty-five lives, prompting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to order a high-level magisterial inquiry into the incident. Describing it as an "unfortunate day" and the biggest such fire tragedy in Goa's tourism history, the CM announced swift action against those responsible.
Swift Response and Arrests Following the Tragedy
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM accompanied by local MLA Michael Lobo, stated that the fire was doused within thirty minutes of the response. However, the blaze proved fatal for many inside the venue. While some patrons managed to escape, others could not, with preliminary reports indicating several deaths were caused by suffocation. The CM confirmed that managers and other individuals connected to the club's operations have already been taken into custody. Furthermore, an arrest warrant has been issued against the nightclub owners who are currently being sought by the authorities.
Victim Details and Government Compensation Announced
Providing initial details on the victims, CM Sawant mentioned that four of the deceased were tourists, while the rest were employees working at the establishment. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who perished. The state government has pledged compensation for the victims' kin. Additionally, six injured individuals are receiving treatment at the Goa Medical College, with the CM assuring that they are being provided the best possible care. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced financial aid, with ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
Inquiry to Scrutinize Permissions and Safety Norms
The ordered magisterial inquiry will thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the catastrophic fire. A key focus will be on examining what permissions the nightclub had obtained and which authorities granted them. Officials will also verify strict compliance with fire safety regulations and building construction norms. CM Sawant emphasized that anyone found guilty in the lapses that caused this incident will face severe legal consequences. He added that Prime Minister Modi called him for a detailed briefing on the situation and that the Goa government is committed to taking all necessary steps to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again in the future.
