At least 25 people have died in a fire that broke out in a nightclub in the coastal region of Goa, Indian authorities have announced.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday, around midnight, at a venue in Arpora, in the northern part of the state, as reported by BBC.
Police believe the fire started after a gas cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen.
„The fire was mainly concentrated in the kitchen area on the ground floor. It broke out around midnight and has since been extinguished,” said Alok Kumar, the chief of police in Goa. Most of the victims were found near the kitchen, „suggesting they were club employees.”
According to authorities, most of the deceased were staff members, but among the victims were also tourists.
The head of the local government in Goa, Pramod Sawant, stated that three people died due to burns, while the rest due to smoke inhalation. „Three or four” of the victims were tourists, but no details about their nationality were provided.
Six people are in stable condition at the hospital.
The bodies have been taken to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Panaji, where the identification process continues.
Rescuers searched for victims among the charred remains until Sunday morning.
The fire broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane club, located in Baga, one of the most popular beach and nightlife areas in Goa.
Witnesses quoted by the BBC described scenes of panic. „We heard screams and then it became clear that a huge fire had broken out. The scenes were horrifying,” said one witness.
Authorities have launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. „Those found responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Pramod Sawant.
In recent years, India has faced several deadly fires in entertainment venues due to serious safety deficiencies, according to official investigations.