Goa Governor visits Goa Medical College following Arpora fire tragedy
Arpora, December 7
Following the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Sunday visited the Goa Medical College where the bodies of the deceased have been kept and the injured are admitted.
Addressing reporters, Governor Gajapathi Raju termed it as an "unfortunate" incident and said that the Chief Secretary will conduct a review of all the regulatory departments in this matter.
"It's an unfortunate incident, they are getting medical attention. We pray to God that they all recover. Chief Secretary has mentioned to me that he will do a review of all the regulatory departments. This is a disturbing thing. So, we hope that they will be able to rise to the occasion so that such a thing does not recur...The President has also sent her condolences, PMO also responded...Medical staff appears to be conscious of their duty and they are doing their best," the Governor said.
At least 25 people lost their lives in the blaze that took place on Saturday midnight with four of them identified as tourists and fourteen others as staff members. The emergency teams rushed to the spot, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased in the fire mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured will be given Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry after 25 people were killed in a massive fire at a nightclub in North Goa's Arpora.
The Chief Minister said that the club's managers and others have already been arrested in the case, and an arrest warrant has been issued against the club's owners.
"This is an unfortunate day. For the first time in Goa's tourism history, such a big incident of fire has occurred. Twenty-five people died. I reached the spot at 1.30-2 am, local MLA Michael Lobo accompanied me. All officers were also present there. Fire was doused within half an hour, but at the club where this happened, some people could rush out of it, but some others could not," Sawant said.
The CM said that it is to be seen whether the fire safety norms and building construction norms were followed.
"An arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners. Managers and others have already been arrested. Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars. PM Modi called me up this morning and asked for all details. He also asked for details on the injured. I briefed the PM in detail...Goa Government will take all steps to ensure that such an incident never happens in future," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very sad news from Goa. 🙠The immediate response from authorities is commendable, and the ex-gratia announced by PM Modi will provide some support to the grieving families. However, the real test is in the follow-up. The magisterial inquiry must be transparent and lead to stronger enforcement of building codes across all tourist spots.
As a frequent visitor to Goa, this is shocking. Tourist safety should be paramount. Arresting the managers is a start, but the owners must be held accountable. Hope this tragedy forces a nationwide audit of fire safety in crowded venues like clubs, hotels, and malls. Prevention is always better than reaction.
Heart goes out to the staff members who lost their lives just doing their jobs. The focus is often on tourists, but local workers are the backbone of Goa's tourism. The compensation should reach their families without delay. Salute to the medical staff and emergency teams who worked through the night. 🫡
While the announcements and visits are necessary, we hear about "reviews" and "inquiries" after every tragedy. The real question is, will this lead to actual change? How many buildings in our cities have fake safety certificates? The system needs an overhaul, not just promises. Justice for the victims means fixing the root cause.
This is so tragic. Goa is our paradise and such incidents tarnish its image. Hope the injured recover soon. The Chief Minister saying it's the first such big incident in Goa's tourism history should be a wake-up call to ensure it's also the last. Strict enforcement from now on, please!