A late-night blaze at a popular nightclub in Goa has left at least 23 people dead, authorities confirmed on Sunday, marking one of the state’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.
The fire tore through the Birch nightclub in Arpora, North Goa district, around midnight, catching many patrons including several tourists off guard, according to officials cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people,” Sawant wrote on X.
“I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry,” he said.
“Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the scene, disclosed that “three to four” tourists were among the casualties, though their nationalities had not been confirmed.
He also noted that three victims died from burns while the others succumbed to suffocation.
“It’s a tragic incident that should never have happened. The business was operating without proper permission, and that negligence led to the fire,” he said.
Footage released by PTI showed emergency responders navigating a narrow stone stairway as they evacuated the injured and removed bodies, while sirens blared and onlookers gathered outside the club.
Goa, famed for its beaches, nightlife and Portuguese heritage, draws millions of visitors annually.
But Sunday’s tragedy has reinforced concerns over lax compliance with fire safety rules in parts of India.
Local reports, quoting police sources, suggest the inferno may have been triggered by a suspected “cylinder blast”, though a full investigation is underway to ascertain the cause.
PTI quoted local legislator Michael Lobo as saying firefighters and police were engaged in rescue efforts through the night.
Lobo added that officials would conduct a fire safety audit at similar venues to prevent such incidents.
India has a troubling history of deadly fires linked to overcrowding and poor safety protocols.
In May, 17 people were killed when a fire swept through a building in Hyderabad.
A month earlier, a hotel fire in Kolkata claimed at least 15 lives, forcing some guests to climb through windows to escape.
Last year, at least 24 people died after a fire tore through a packed amusement arcade in Gujarat, where investigators later blamed the fatalities on inadequate safety measures and a collapsed temporary structure that blocked the exit.