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While the investigation into the cause of the fire is still inconclusive, there are questions over - for instance - why one of the most well-known entertainment places in town failed to renew its insurance contract. The owners claim they didn't renew the contract because they planned to shut down the place anyway. That is an unacceptable excuse. Why did the authorities let the place run without insurance for four months?

There are also questions about the interior layout and construction materials - which were highly flammable. The primary findings show that there was insufficient fire safety equipment in the club. Exit signs were not present, nor were sprinklers, which could have prevented the blaze.

The tragedy at Santika should be a lesson on how to avoid a repetition in the future. Strict enforcement of safety regulations at entertainment places should not be compromised. Accidents will always happen but the extent of the damage can be curbed with sufficient safety precautions in place.

As well as pubs and clubs, the authorities must look at other public entertainment places such as concert halls and cinemas. Many tend to have limited access and, in the event of a similar catastrophe, casualties would no doubt be high. Safety requirements must be tightened and enforced.

Instead of working to pass blame on to those responsible for the lax enforcement at this particular entertainment venue, concerned authorities should get to work now to ensure safety requirements are respected. Otherwise, we will continue to suffer from such carelessness and negligence again and again.