Vasco market fire: 150 shops gutted, blaze under control, Goa promises compensation

A massive fire that gutted more than 150 shops at Vasco's main market is fully under control, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday, promising financial compensation to traders who lost Diwali stock in the blaze.

The fire tore through the New Modern Municipal Market, known locally as the Vasco Sunday Market, around 11:40 pm on Wednesday. No one was injured. Firefighters brought it under control after more than four hours.

"The government stands firmly with all those affected by this unfortunate incident and will extend necessary assistance, including financial compensation to the affected persons," Sawant said after visiting the spot.

Damage assessment is under way, and the Chief Minister said vendors who had stocked up ahead of Diwali had suffered major losses.