Fire at popular Goa nightclub in India kills at least 25, officials report
NEW DELHI, INDIA - At least 25 people, including tourists, were killed early Sunday in a fire at a popular nightclub in Goa, India, authorities confirmed. The blaze broke out just after midnight at a club in Arpora, a bustling party area in North Goa.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said most of the victims were kitchen staff, along with three to four tourists. Six others were injured and are reported to be in stable condition. Officials said the fire was triggered by a gas cylinder explosion and has since been extinguished, with all bodies recovered. Approximately 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire began, and many ran to the kitchen below, where staff and some guests became trapped.
The nightclub, situated along the Arpora river backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit, forcing firefighters to position their tankers about 400 meters away, which delayed their response. A local council official noted that the club had previously been issued a demolition notice for operating without a construction permit, though higher authorities later withdrew the order.
The state government has launched an inquiry to determine the fire’s exact cause and assess whether safety and building regulations were followed. Fire and building safety standards are often poorly enforced in India, contributing to similar accidents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and said the state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
Goa, a western coastal state famed for its beaches, is one of India’s top tourist destinations. Accidents involving gas cylinders are not uncommon in the country, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety enforcement.
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