New Delhi: In a saddening incident, 25 people lost their lives in North Goa after a fire broke out at a nightclub. The tragedy occurred late at night, and initial findings suggest that the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast.

The fire erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane shortly after midnight. The venue is a famous party spot in Arpora village.

Reacting to the tragedy, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the deceased included the club’s kitchen staff, among them three women. He also added that 3 to 4 tourists were reportedly among those killed.

The Chief Minister rushed to the spot soon after receiving news of the tragedy. Speaking to reporters, Pramod Sawant said that of the 23 victims, three died of burn injuries while the others succumbed to suffocation. He added that initial information indicated the nightclub had failed to comply with fire safety norms.

Sawant assured strict action against those responsible, stating, “We will take action against the club management and the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms.” He described the blaze as an “unfortunate incident” that occurred during Goa’s peak tourist season. An inquiry has been ordered, and the CM said the guilty will not be spared.

Meanwhile, Goa Police chief Alok Kumar confirmed to PTI that the fire was caused by a cylinder blast. Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo added that all 23 bodies have been recovered and sent to the government medical college in Bambolim.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the tragedy. In a post on X, he wrote, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.”

The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)