25 die in massive fire at nightclub in Goa; club manager held; PM Modi, CM Pramod Sawant express grief
At least 25 people lost their lives in a massive fire at a nightclub in Goa on Saturday night. Police suspect that the fire was caused by a cylinder explosion.
Some tourists were among those killed at a nightclub in the Arpora area of North Goa. Most of the deceased are believed to be employees of the club.
Deceased include four tourists and 14 staff members
The deceased include four tourists and 14 staff members, while seven others have yet to be identified.
Goa police have arrested the club manager. According to police, a cylinder blast occurred at around 12 noon. The explosion was so powerful that the fire spread throughout the club within minutes. The fire brigade brought the fire under control after a lengthy effort.
Initial investigations have revealed that fire safety regulations were not followed at the club. Senior administration officials are at the scene, and a forensic (FSL) team is investigating the cause of the fire.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wrote on social media that 25 people died and six were injured in the accident. Three women were also among the deceased.
Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and President Draupadi Murmu have expressed grief over the incident.
PM Modi has condoled the loss of lives in the fire mishap in Arpora, Goa. Shri Modi also wished speedy recovery for those injured in the mishap.
The Prime Minister informed that he has spoken to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant regarding the situation. He stated that the State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“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. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
@DrPramodPSawant”
Compensation announced
A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office stated, "The next of kin of each person who lost their lives in the Arpora, Goa incident will receive an assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF."
According to the statement, the injured will receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each.
Goa DGP Alok Kumar said, “An unfortunate incident has occurred in Arpora. The police control room received information about a fire at 12:04 am (Saturday midnight). The fire brigade and ambulances immediately reached the spot. The fire has been brought under control and the bodies have been recovered.”
“Most of the bodies were found in the restaurant kitchen. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and action will be taken based on the findings.”
Sanjay Kumar Gupta, a security guard who witnessed the incident, said, "The incident happened between 11 and 12 pm. Suddenly, a fire broke out... I was at the gate... DJs and dancers were about to arrive, and there was going to be a lot of crowd..."
A security guard at a restaurant near the nightclub told media, "We heard a loud explosion, as if a car tire had burst. Later, we were told that the fire was caused by a cylinder blast."
DGP Alok Kumar, giving information about the deceased, said, "Initial investigations have revealed that most of the deceased were restaurant staff. Some tourists may also be among the deceased."
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the media, "I am thoroughly reviewing the situation surrounding the tragic fire incident in Arpora. Twenty-five people have lost their lives and six have been injured. All six injured are now stable and receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident, determine the cause, and fix responsibility."
He added, "Of the total casualties, three died due to burns, while the rest died due to suffocation. We will conduct a thorough investigation and strict action will be taken against those found guilty."