A night of music and laughter turned into tragedy in Goa, India, when a fire ripped through a popular nightclub, killing 25 people, including workers and holidaymakers.
Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by a gas cylinder explosion shortly after midnight.
Goa’s Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, said: “The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor. The fire occurred around midnight. It has now been brought under control.”
He noted that many of the victims appeared to be staff members trapped near the kitchen.
The venue, Birch by Romeo Lane, sits in the bustling Baga district, a strip famous for its nightlife. Witnesses described scenes of panic as partygoers fled through smoke and screams.
“One moment everyone was enjoying themselves; the next, there were screams everywhere,” an eyewitness told the BBC. “Nobody could do much. The scenes were just horrific.”
Officials confirmed six survivors remain in stable condition. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said three victims died from burns while others succumbed to suffocation. He added that several tourists were among the dead, though their nationalities were not immediately released.
Investigation and Accountability
Emergency crews worked through the charred remains on Sunday morning, retrieving bodies and securing the structure. Firefighters said identification of victims is still underway before families can be notified.
A heavy security presence sealed off the site as investigators launched a formal inquiry. Sawant vowed accountability: “Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law. Any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening,” offering condolences to grieving families.
Goa, once a Portuguese colony and now a magnet for millions of tourists, is famed for its beaches and nightlife.
Yet the disaster adds to a troubling pattern of fatal fires across India’s entertainment and hospitality venues, where safety lapses have repeatedly led to high casualties in recent years.
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