Additional Coverage:
Tragedy Strikes Goa Nightclub: 25 Dead in Fiery Blast
GOA, India – A devastating fire ripped through a popular nightclub in Goa, India, early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of at least 25 people, including several tourists. The blaze, which reportedly originated from a gas cylinder explosion, occurred just after midnight in Arpora, a well-known party destination in North Goa.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the grim toll, stating that the majority of the deceased were kitchen staff, alongside three to four tourists. Reports from the Press Trust of India news agency indicate that around 100 people were on the nightclub’s dance floor when the inferno erupted. In the ensuing panic, many reportedly rushed towards the kitchen area, becoming trapped with the staff.
Firefighting efforts were significantly hampered by the club’s location along the Arpora river backwaters, which featured a narrow entry and exit. This forced fire brigades to park their tankers approximately 400 meters away, delaying critical response times, according to local officials.
Adding to the tragedy, local village council official Roshan Redkar revealed that the nightclub had previously received a demolition notice due to a lack of construction permits. However, this order was reportedly overturned by higher officials.
In the wake of the disaster, the state government has launched a full inquiry to determine the precise cause of the fire and to ascertain whether fire safety and building regulations were adequately followed. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about lax enforcement of regulations in India, where shortcuts by some public sector officials can lead to dangerous safety hazards.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow on social media, describing the incident as “deeply saddening.” He confirmed speaking with Chief Minister Sawant and assured that the state government is offering “all possible assistance to those affected,” while extending his condolences to the victims’ families.
Accidents involving gas cylinders are unfortunately not uncommon in India and frequently result in casualties, underscoring the urgent need for authorities to implement and enforce stringent safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
Goa, a western coastal state, is a major draw for tourists, renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches.