At least 25 people have died after a fire at a popular nightclub in the tourist resort in the state of Goa in southwestern India on Saturday, officials said.
In a post on X early Sunday morning, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, said he had visited the site of the “major fire” at a club in Arpora district in North Goa, adding that he has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
“Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” Sawant said.
The office of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he had been in contact with Sawant, said each of the victims’ families would receive up to 200,000 rupees ($2,200, €1,910) in compensation.
What else do we know about the fire?
The chief minister told reporters at the scene that “three to four” tourists were among the dead.
Sawant also said three people had died from burn injuries, with 20 others dying from suffocation.
Six people who were injured were in a stable condition, he said.
Initial investigations suggest the fire started after a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen, the Indian PTI news agency reported, citing Goa police chief Alok Kumar.
Kumar said the fire broke out around midnight and has been brought under control.
“The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor. Maximum bodies were retrieved from the kitchen area, suggesting that the victims were employed at the club. Two bodies have been found on the staircase,” The Indian Express quoted Kumar as saying.
Every year, millions of tourists visit Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. It is known for its sandy beaches, tropical climate and vibrant nightlife.
Winter is the peak tourist season for Goa, India’s smallest state.
Edited by Dmytro Hubenko