A tragic fire at a popular nightclub in the Indian coastal state of Goa has claimed the lives of 25 people, including several foreign tourists, prompting a major investigation into safety regulations.
Chaos and Tragedy in the Early Hours
The blaze erupted just after midnight on Saturday at the Birch nightclub in the Arpora area of North Goa. According to reports from the Press Trust of India, the fire was caused by a gas cylinder blast in the venue's kitchen. It was brought under control after rescue operations continued into Sunday morning, with all bodies recovered from the scene.
Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, confirmed the death toll, stating that most of the victims were kitchen staff employed at the club, alongside three to four tourists. Six injured individuals were rescued and are reported to be in a stable condition. Mr Sawant noted that three people died from burn injuries, while the others succumbed to suffocation.
Probe Launched into Safety and Regulatory Failures
The state government has ordered a full inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and to examine whether fire safety norms and building regulations were followed. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Sawant called it a "very painful day" and vowed that "those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law."
Initial reports from the scene revealed significant obstacles for emergency services. The nightclub, situated along the Arpora river backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit, forcing fire brigade tankers to park approximately 400 metres away. This restricted access critically delayed firefighting efforts.
Adding to the scrutiny, a local village council official, Roshan Redkar, told news agencies that authorities had previously issued a demolition notice for the club as it lacked a proper government construction permit. However, he stated that higher officials had later rolled back that order.
National Reaction and Ongoing Safety Concerns
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as deeply saddening, stating he had spoken with Chief Minister Sawant. He confirmed the state government was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
This disaster has cast a harsh light on the enforcement of safety regulations in India, where such gas cylinder accidents are not uncommon. The tragedy strikes at the heart of Goa's vital tourism industry. The former Portuguese colony, famed for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, attracts millions of visitors annually. Government data shows about 5.5 million tourists visited in the first half of this year alone, including 271,000 international arrivals.
The investigation will now focus on the chain of events and regulatory lapses that led to one of Goa's deadliest incidents in recent years.
