A fire that broke out in a packed nightclub in Goa’s Arpora village has claimed 25 lives, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The blaze at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub began shortly after midnight when a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen area.
Most victims died from suffocation while three succumbed to burn injuries.
Among the dead were four members of the same family from Delhi, at least four tourists, and 21 staff members, many of whom were from other Indian states and Nepal.
Six people injured in the incident are reported to be in stable condition.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the exact cause and fix responsibility.
He stated that any negligence would be dealt with firmly under the law.
The nightclub manager has been arrested and a warrant issued for the owner.
Emergency teams worked through the night to control the fire and recovered all bodies by Sunday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening,” announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for each deceased victim’s family and 50,000 rupees for the injured, and offered full central assistance.
The venue, located near a popular beach and connected by a narrow crossing over a small lake, saw scenes of panic as revellers tried to escape.
Eyewitnesses described a usual busy Saturday night turning chaotic when screams erupted and thick smoke filled the premises.
Goa, a major tourist hub that welcomed 5.5 million visitors including over 270,000 foreigners in the first half of the year, has faced growing calls from opposition leaders for stricter safety regulations at entertainment venues following a series of deadly fires across India in recent years.