At least 23 people have died in a fire at a popular nightclub in India’s coastal region of Goa, local officials said.
The majority of the victims are believed to be employees of the club located in Arpora, North Goa, while the dead also included tourists.
Police believe that a gas cylinder exploded in the club’s kitchen, causing the fire to break out in the place at midnight on Saturday, local time.
“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa,” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement.
“The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor,” said Shri Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Goa.
He added, “The fire occurred around midnight. It has now been brought under control.”
Alok Kumar added that most of the bodies were found around the kitchen, “which indicates that the victims were working in the club.”
The fire broke out at a club called Birch by Romeo Lane in Baga, which is located on one of the most popular beaches in the coastal region, The Indian Express reported.
Local media reported that rescue services were still underway in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dr. Sawant told reporters that three people died of burns while others died of suffocation.
He said that “three to four” tourists died. Their ages and nationalities are not yet known.
The Prime Minister said that an official investigation had begun into the cause of the fire.
“Those found responsible will face the strictest action under the law, and any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” Dr. Sawant said.
He added: “I am deeply saddened and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.”
Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. Its nightlife, sandy beaches and resorts attract millions of tourists annually.
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2025-12-06 23:50:00
