Goa: 25 killed, 50 injured in Arpora nightclub fire; PM Modi, President Murmu express grief
A fire at a nightclub in North Goa killed 23 people on late Saturday night. The fire was reportedly caused by a cylinder blast, said the police chief of Goa. The incident happened at a popular tourist spot in the state. Goa CM Pramod Sawant promised strict action against those found guilty. He said that the nightclub did not adhere to fire safety norms and this had caused the fire. There were at least 3 tourists among those killed, confirmed the CM.
New Delhi: In a heartbreaking incident reported from North Goa, 25 people were killed in a fire at a nightclub. The fire at the North Goa night club was caused due to a cylinder blast, late Saturday night, said a report in PTI. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane after midnight. This is a popular party venue in Arpora village.
Nightclub did not adhere to safety norms: CM Pramod Sawant
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the deaths, saying that most of the dead were club’s kitchen workers, and included three women. He added that there were 3 to 4 tourists among those killed.
The CM rushed to the spot, soon after receiving information about the tragedy. Talking to reporters, Sawant said that among those killed, 3 died of burn injuries, while others succumbed to suffocation. Talking about what might have caused the fire, he said that as per initial information available, the nightclub did not adhere to the fire safety standards.
Sawant promised action against anyone found responsible for the tragic incident. He was quoted as saying, "We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms." He described the fire as an "unfortunate incident" which had taken place during the peak tourist season in the coastal state.
The CM said that an enquiry will be conducted in the matter and the guilty would not be spared.
Meanwhile, the Goa Police chief Alok Kumar confirmed to news agency PTI that the fire was caused due to a cylinder blast. The 23 bodies have been recovered and have been sent to the government medical college at Bambolim,” local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said.
PM Modi expresses anguish over fire incident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took cognizance of the fire mishap in North Goa. Taking to his social media account, 'X', he said, "The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest."
The PM added that he had spoken to the Goa CM, Pramod Sawant regarding the situation and was assured by him that the state government was taking all possible measures to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences at the deaths in the fire tragedy in Goa. Her office posted, "Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."