25 killed in Goa nightclub fire; CM orders probe into safety violations

Panaji: Nearly 25 people were killed in a blaze at a nightclub in North Goa following a cylinder blast late Saturday night, police said. Most of the victims were kitchen staff at the club, including three women, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed. Officials said three to four tourists were also among the dead.

The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane shortly after midnight. The club, located in Arpora village about 25 km from Panaji, is a popular party venue.

CM Sawant, who visited the site, told reporters that of the 23 victims, three died due to burn injuries while the others succumbed to suffocation. He said initial information indicated that the nightclub had not complied with fire safety norms.

“The club was opened last year. We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms. This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season in the coastal state. A detailed inquiry will be conducted, and stringent action will be taken against those found guilty,” Sawant said.

Goa Police chief Alok Kumar told PTI the fire occured from a cylinder explosion.

Earlier, local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said all 23 bodies had been recovered and sent to the Government Medical College at Bambolim. Firefighters and police teams reached the spot immediately and carried out rescue operations through the night, he said.

Lobo added that a fire safety audit of all clubs would be conducted to prevent such incidents. The Calangute panchayat will issue notices to all nightclubs on Monday, asking them to submit fire safety permissions. Licences of establishments lacking proper permissions will be cancelled, he said.