Arpora, Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his profound grief and extended condolences following a devastating fire at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora, Goa. The tragic incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, claimed the lives of 23 people and left several others injured.
Reports indicate that the fire is believed to have been triggered by a cylinder blast at the establishment. The blaze quickly engulfed the premises, resulting in a chaotic scene as patrons and staff struggled to escape. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the intensity of the fire hampered rescue efforts.
In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. "The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening," the Prime Minister stated in a post on social media platform X. "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.".
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi has spoken with Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to assess the situation and ensure that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected. The Prime Minister's Office has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Those injured in the fire will receive Rs. 50,000.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a "very painful day" for the state. He has ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fire to determine the cause and identify any lapses in safety protocols. The incident has triggered calls for comprehensive safety audits of all clubs and restaurants across Goa to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The local authorities are currently investigating the incident. The focus is on determining the exact cause of the fire and whether there were any violations of safety regulations that contributed to the severity of the blaze. The state government has pledged to take strict action against any individuals or entities found to be negligent.
The Arpora fire tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over Goa, a state renowned for its vibrant nightlife and tourism industry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety standards and implementing stringent measures to prevent fire hazards in public spaces. The government has assured its commitment to supporting the affected families and taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
