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A fire broke out at a popular nightclub in India’s Goa state, killing 25 people, the state’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.
The fire broke out just after midnight local time in the northern village of Arpora, about 25 kilometers from the state capital Panaji and known as a party venue that attracts foreign tourists.
“25 people lost their lives and six others were injured. All six injured are in stable condition and are receiving the best medical care,” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a post on X on Sunday.
Sawant pointed out that most of the dead were kitchen workers at the club and three to four tourists. Six people were injured, but their condition is said to be stable. All bodies have been recovered.
The Press Trust of India news agency, citing local police, said the fire was caused by an explosion in a gas cylinder and has been extinguished. However, witnesses told the agency that the fire started on the first floor of the club and that there were nearly 100 tourists on the dance floor.
Amid the chaos, several people reportedly ran into the kitchen downstairs and became trapped along with the staff.
However, Sawant said a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire. He also vowed that if any negligence is found, all those responsible will be held accountable and action will be taken “firmly.”
“The investigation will look into the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety standards and building regulations were followed. Those found responsible will face the strictest action under the law. Any negligence will be dealt with decisively,” Sawant said in a post on X.
The incident caused widespread panic and confusion as flames erupted. “I rushed out of the club and saw the whole building on fire,” witness Fatima Shaikh said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared a message on his X account, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
The Indian Prime Minister said, “The fire accident in Arpora, Goa is extremely sad. My thoughts go to all those who lost loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Local media in India said the nightclub, located on the backwaters of the Arpora River, had narrow entrances and exits, forcing firefighters to park their tanker about 400 meters away, slowing operations.
It was discovered that the club building did not have a building permit from the government and had previously been issued with a demolition notice. Roshan Redkar, a local Alpora municipal councilor, said the notification was later withdrawn by Goa officials.
Accidents, especially involving gas cylinders and electricity short circuits, are common in India, often resulting in casualties and highlighting the need for authorities to put strict safety protocols in place.
Rahul Gandhi, a top leader of India’s main opposition party, the Congress Party, called the incident a “criminal failure of security and governance” and called for a transparent investigation to “rectify accountability and ensure such avoidable tragedies never happen again.”
Additional sources of information • AP
