In a devastating incident in Goa, India, at least 25 individuals, including tourists, lost their lives in a catastrophic fire at a popular nightclub. The incident occurred just after midnight in Arpora, a well-known party hub in North Goa. Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, confirmed that the majority of the deceased were kitchen staff from the club, along with three to four tourists who were caught in the blaze.
The tragic fire was reported to have originated from a gas cylinder explosion, which has since been extinguished. According to the Press Trust of India, local police stated that six individuals sustained injuries but are currently in stable condition. Eyewitness accounts revealed that there were approximately 100 patrons on the dance floor at the time of the fire, many of whom fled to the kitchen area below, inadvertently trapping themselves alongside club staff.
The nightclub, situated near the scenic Arpora river backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit. This restricted access forced firefighting teams to park their tankers around 400 meters away from the venue, which significantly delayed the emergency response efforts, as reported by local officials. All bodies have been recovered from the site, as the investigation into the fire continues.
Local village council official Roshan Redkar revealed that authorities had previously issued a demolition notice for the nightclub due to the absence of a construction permit from the government. However, the order was later rescinded by higher officials. In light of this tragedy, the state government has initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to evaluate whether fire safety norms and building regulations were adhered to.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident in a social media post, describing it as “deeply saddening.” He mentioned that he had spoken with Chief Minister Sawant regarding the situation and assured that the state government is committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. Modi also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Gas cylinder accidents are not uncommon in India and frequently result in tragic casualties, highlighting a pressing need for authorities to enforce stringent safety protocols. The western coastal state of Goa is renowned as one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, celebrated for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. This incident underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety in entertainment venues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.