THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
At least 25 persons including four tourists died in a major fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora after a blaze broke out at the beachside club around midnight. The government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
The police and fire officials at the site said the fire spread rapidly through the structure including basement, trapping several people inside.
Around a dozen fire tenders and several firefighters were deployed to douse the flames. Police personnel and locals assisted in the rescue operation as charred bodies were pulled out of the premises, while several other victims died of suffocation.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Director General of Police Alok Kumar and other senior officials rushed to the site and reviewed the rescue efforts.
Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility. "Twenty five people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care," he further said.
He added the government will verify all approvals, compliance certificates and fire safety measures followed by the establishment.
“It’s unfortunate that such an incident has occurred in Goa, a tourist State. Strict action will be taken against the owners and operators if any non-compliance is found. All permissions and safety norms of this club will be checked,” he said.
Of the total deaths, 3–4 are reportedly tourists while the remaining victims are staff members.
“We condole the families of the deceased and the injured,” the CM said.
Sawant further warned that clubs operating without fire safety norms and proper construction licences will not be allowed to function.
“Several clubs don't follow the mandatory norms. Even the police are not aware of permissions these establishments have. We won’t allow such premises to operate. The Fire Department will conduct checks for safety standards, and any failure will invite action,” he added.
Police cordoned off the site and initiated an inquiry into the cause of the fire. Preliminary information indicates that the blaze erupted during a late-night event when the club was operating at considerable capacity. Statements of survivors and staff will be recorded.
The officials have said detailed post-mortem examinations will be conducted on all victims before the bodies are handed over to their families.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences. Modi had a telephonic conversation with CM Pramod Sawant and was assured the State government is providing all assistance to the affected persons.
PM Modi also announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Arpora. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, he said.
The Goa police have updated that of 25 deaths, 4 are tourists, 14 staff members and identity of 7 is yet to be established. "Six persons are injured and their treatment going on. Cause of fire is yet to ascertained. Police and fire department investigation is in progress. Legal action is being taken," it said in a statement this morning.
The opposition - Congress, GFP have slammed the government mention for the mishap.
