Vasco Market Inferno: 150+ Shops Gutted; CM Promises Aid
Over 150 shops destroyed in a massive fire at Vasco's Sunday Market. CM Pramod Sawant assures financial aid for traders ahead of Diwali.
A devastating blaze has ripped through the New Modern Municipal Market, popularly known as the Vasco Sunday Market, leaving a trail of destruction just as traders were preparing for the festive rush. The Vasco market fire has left over 150 shopkeepers in financial distress, prompting Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to step in with promises of government support and financial compensation.
Midnight Chaos: The Timeline of the Blaze
The fire erupted late Wednesday night, October 28, 2026, between 11:10 PM and 11:40 PM. What started as a localized fire quickly spiraled into a massive inferno, consuming a significant portion of the market. Firefighting teams battled the flames for several hours, finally bringing the situation under control by 3:30 AM on Thursday, October 29.
While it is a relief that no casualties were reported, the economic blow to the vendors is severe. Many traders had already stocked up their inventories in anticipation of the Diwali festival, only to see their livelihoods vanish in the smoke.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Following a visit to the disaster site, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the affected traders that the government would provide the necessary financial aid to help them recover. The CM emphasized the importance of safety protocols and urged the public to cooperate with precautionary measures currently being implemented.
Adding to the relief efforts, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar has made a personal commitment to the cause, pledging two years of his own salary to a relief fund dedicated to the rehabilitation of the affected vendors.
Administrative Action and Security
To prevent any further accidents, South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus has taken strict measures. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, an order has been issued prohibiting public entry into the market and a 50-meter radius around the perimeter until November 1, 2026. This decision comes amid serious concerns regarding the structural stability of the remaining buildings.
Currently, police and fire services remain stationed at the site to secure the area and ensure public safety.
Investigation and Restoration
A high-level joint inspection team convened at 11:30 AM on Thursday to evaluate the extent of the damage. The team includes experts from:
- The Public Works Department (PWD)
- The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services
- The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)
While the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the disaster. Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that his department is working closely with the traders to coordinate and facilitate the restoration of the market.