Devastating Fire Engulfs Old Goa Building
A catastrophic fire early Monday morning in Old Goa’s Bainguinim area tragically claimed the lives of 25 individuals, predominantly migrant workers. The devastating incident also left three other people injured, highlighting severe safety lapses within the affected premises.
Authorities report that the owner of the building, identified as Sahil Shah, a resident of Delhi, allegedly fled the state shortly after the blaze erupted. Police have since initiated a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend him, with teams dispatched to Delhi.
Owner Booked for Culpable Homicide as Investigation Unfolds
In response to the tragedy, an First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the building owner under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. These include Section 304 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Section 338 for causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others, and Section 285 for negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter.
This legal action underscores the gravity of the incident and the serious allegations of negligence and disregard for human life. The owner’s flight from Goa on Monday further complicates the investigation and strengthens the police’s resolve to locate and question him regarding the circumstances leading to the fatal fire.
Illegal Construction and Gross Safety Violations Cited
Unauthorised Construction Details
Investigations have revealed that the ill-fated three-storey building operated without essential legal clearances. Officials confirmed it was an illegally constructed structure, lacking the necessary licenses and approvals from the Goa Planning and Development Authority (PDA) and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.
The absence of these critical permits indicates a complete circumvention of regulatory oversight. Such unauthorised construction often bypasses mandatory structural safety assessments, fire hazard evaluations, and adherence to building codes, thereby posing significant risks to occupants and the surrounding environment.
Storage of Highly Inflammable Materials
The building reportedly functioned as a godown, a storage facility, for highly inflammable materials. Among the items stored were foam sheets and various plastic products, substances known for their rapid combustibility and the intense heat they generate upon ignition.
The storage of such volatile materials in an unpermitted and structurally compromised building created an extremely dangerous environment. This combination of illegal construction and hazardous material storage drastically increased the risk of a major fire, contributing directly to the speed and intensity with which the blaze engulfed the premises.
Absence of Basic Fire Safety Measures
Compounding the inherent risks was the complete lack of any discernible fire safety measures within the building. Crucial safety infrastructure, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, or clearly marked emergency exits, were reportedly non-existent.
This severe deficiency meant that there was no early warning system to alert occupants to the developing fire, nor were there any immediate means to contain or extinguish the flames. The absence of escape routes or safety equipment severely hampered the chances of survival for those trapped inside, leading to the high casualty count.
Victims Mostly Migrant Workers Asleep During Incident
The majority of the 25 fatalities were identified as migrant workers who were residing within the premises and were asleep when the fire broke out around 3:30 AM. Their vulnerability, being caught unawares during the early morning hours, significantly reduced their ability to react and escape the rapidly spreading inferno.
The tragic loss of life among this demographic highlights the precarious living and working conditions often faced by migrant populations. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations in establishments that house or employ vulnerable workers.
Government Response and Compensation Announced
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as “unfortunate.” He publicly assured that strict action would be taken against all individuals found responsible for the tragic fire.
In a gesture of immediate support to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim. This financial assistance aims to provide some relief to families grappling with the sudden and immense loss.
Challenges Faced by Emergency Services
The Goa Fire Department faced significant challenges in controlling and dousing the massive blaze. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the fire under control, contending with the intense heat generated by the burning plastics and foam, and the potential for further structural collapse.
Adding to the complexity, parts of the three-storey building collapsed during or after the fire, hindering rescue and recovery efforts. The severity of the burns sustained by the victims also presented considerable difficulties in the process of identification, requiring meticulous forensic work.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt for Owner
The police investigation is actively progressing, with multiple teams focusing on tracing Sahil Shah, the absconding owner, in Delhi. Authorities are gathering further evidence related to the building’s illegal status, the nature of materials stored, and the specific circumstances that led to the catastrophic fire.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all culprits are brought to justice. The rigorous legal process aims to hold accountable those whose alleged negligence and disregard for safety protocols contributed to this tragic loss of life, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of operating without adherence to mandated regulations.