A tragic fire incident took place at the Birch Night Club around midnight on December 7 in Arpora village, North Goa, claiming 25 lives.
The suspected cause of the incident was believed to be Gas Cylinder Explosion in the Kitchen area that triggered the Explosion.
What also triggered the rapid fire was the flammable decoration and palm tree leaves that escalated the situation.
Among the Deceased, 14 of them were identified as club staffs , 4 were tourists and remaining 7 were still unidentified as of now. Atleast 6 injured people were taken to the hospital, reportedly in stable condition.
Many Victims, mostly club staffs working in the basement and kitchen area got trapped in the smoke filled basement, died due to suffocation and smoke inhalation indicating towards poor ventilation and emergency exits.
The Manager of the Night Club has been arrested and arrest warrant has been issued against the Owner as well.
The Goa Government has issued emergency helpline numbers led by the Goa Collector Office to ensure proper coordination and provide information about inbound queries by the families members of the persons involved in the tragic incident.
The District Control Room ( North Goa Collectorate ) – 0832-2225383
Goa Police Control Room (North Goa) – 7875756000
The Chief Minister of the State Pramod Sawant has also visited the place and ordered a Magistrate Level inquiry to investigate the horrific incident and hold the responsible parties accountable for the same.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his deep condolences towards the victims family and announced Ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakh from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund ( PMNRF ) for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured for their treatment.
The Prime Minister has also spoke to the Goa Chief Minister and was briefed about the situation by the Chief Minister. The Prime Minister has assured the State government for all the essential assistance in the relief work and for the injured in their treatment.
As per the authorities , the club has flouted mandatory fire safety norms and was operating illegally without proper permission from the State authorities.