TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: A major portion of the roof and a wall of Clube Nacional, the oldest social club in Goa collapsed on Sunday afternoon damaging three shops on the ground floor.
No casualties were reported in the incident at the Clube which otherwise is always teeming with visitors. The Clube, incidentally, is also shut on Sunday.
The wall and the roof of the Clube collapsed at around 3.30 pm damaging a wine store and two garment shops located on the ground floor. The loss is estimated to be around several lakhs of rupees.
The Clube, which recently celebrated its 100 years of existence, is facing a threat as the walls have developed several cracks. The Fire and Emergency Service immediately rushed to the spot and began clearing operations.
Speaking to Herald, Clube President Tony Dias said the incident was reported at around 3.30 pm and thankfully, the Clube was shut thus avoiding any major tragedy. “If this had happened during any working day, then the result would have been tragic. Many people visit the Clube, bar and we have our office situated there,” he said.
Dias said he had no clue as to what resulted in the fall of the wall. “This is the oldest institute, over a hundred years now… the collapse is shocking,” he said.
Clube members hope the government will provide necessary help in overcoming the damage and aid in renovating the entire structure to maintain its legacy.
Fire personnel on duty said the structure was very old and this could have resulted in the collapse of the roof. They have covered the affected portion with plastic to avoid further damage to the structure due to rains. “We cannot do anything beyond this. It would have to be re-constructed,” a fireman said.
The incident is a warning for the State authorities who have neglected several age-old heritage structures in the city.
