Property loss estimated at Rs 70-80 lakh
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: A major fire has completely gutted Farmacia Salcete, in Margao early Friday morning, destroying property worth around Rs 70-80 lakhs.
The incident is believed to have occurred at around 6 am when smoke was seen billowing from the roof top. The fire fighting operation was delayed for a considerable time as the premises was locked. The fire brigade used the hydraulic cutter to break open two locks, but the middle lock could not be opened and it was only after the partner Kunal Kare came on the spot that the door was opened.
Fire personnel, however, said that much damage was done when they finally entered the premises. The mezzanine floor of the establishment, where the fire broke out, bore the brunt of the inferno as the goods housed there were reduced to ashes.
Leading firemen, Vinod Naik said the fire fighting operations were hampered as the doors could not be opened immediately. “We tried to open the locks with hydraulic cutters, but by the time the premises was opened, it was too late,” he said.
Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Nitin Raikar put the loss of property to Rs 70-80 lakhs.
When contacted, Farmacia Salcete partner Kunal Kare said it is too early to work out the estimated loss of property. He, however, said the total investment, including the stock, stored in the premises was
to the tune of Rs one crore. “We have to now ascertain the exact loss of property,” he said.
Meanwhile, South Goa District Magistrate, ND Agrawal has sought a detailed report from the electricity superintending engineer in view of reports that the cell phones of power officials were switched off when Farmacia Salcete was engulfed in a fire.
The Collector, who is also the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, has directed the superintending engineer to ensure that cell phones of all officials should be switched on round-the-clock to meet any emergency situation.
Agrawal’s letter comes in the wake of reports that the power officials could not be contacted when fire broke out in Farmacia Salcete to disconnect the power supply.
In his letter to the SE, Agrawal said he has received specific information that the power officials could not be contacted as their mobiles phones were switched off.
The Collector also took cognisance of reports that there was a delay in contacting the pharmacy owner for want of a telephone number. A suggestion has been mooted to the Collector to direct all establishment owners to display their telephone numbers on the boards.
