MARGAO
The fire services have claimed to have saved adjoining property worth Rs 20 lakh.
The incident is believed to have occurred at around 11.45 pm when the fire first occurred in one of the thatched houses, and quickly spread to the remaining structures. A LPG cylinder explosion only aggravated the situation as the fire gutted the structures before threatening to spread to the adjoining houses. The fire reportedly originated when the inmates were cooking inside.
Locals joined in the fire fighting operations, as they claimed that the fire brigade arrived late. Fire Officer Gill De Souza, however, told the media that the fire brigade had responded to the call at around 12.05 midnight. He said that six fire tenders were pressed into service, including tenders from Verna, Panaji, Sanvordem, besides three tenders from Margao, to bring the fire under control.
Replying to a question, Gill said that all the household items including cupboards, furniture and consumer items were gutted in the blaze. One of the fire engines got stuck in the sand.
The inmates told the media that they have lost their valuables including gold ornaments and cash, besides fishing nets in the inferno. A lady victim told The Goan that she has lost everything in the fire, including shelter and clothes. Houses gutted in the fire belonged to Rosalina Rodrigues, Minguel Caetano Rodrigues and Joanita Rodrigues.
Ex-Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva told the media that the fire brigade reached the site at around 12.30 am and had no water pump to pump out water from the local sources.
“The fire tenders should be equipped with all equipments to meet any emergencies,” Caitu said, while appealing to the government to extend help to the beleaguered families who have lost everything in the inferno.
