Goa: 23 killed in major fire at nightclub in Arpora, PM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
At least 23 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora, which was reported on Sunday,
Panaji: At least 23 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora, which was reported on Sunday, according to officials. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday 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).
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) wrote, “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM.”
Prime Minister Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Arpora, calling the incident “deeply saddening.”
In an X post, PM Modi 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. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The blaze was reported around midnight, and emergency teams rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it an “unfortunate” incident and said strict action would follow.
The Goa CM said, “The incident is very unfortunate for a tourism state like Goa. The people who run such things illegally, and a fire incident occurred…23 people have lost their lives…The government will conduct an inquiry into this incident. The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire, and those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law….”
Goa DGP Alok Kumar said the police received the alert shortly after midnight. “An unfortunate incident occurred in a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora. At 12.04 am, the police control room received information about a fire, and the police, fire brigade, and ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire is now under control, and all the bodies have been recovered. The total death count is 23…The police will investigate the cause of this incident, and we will take action based on the findings…”
Authorities have begun a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.
Officials said efforts are underway to provide medical support to the injured and assistance to the families of those who died.
(With inputs from ANI)
