A late-night fire tore through a popular nightclub in Goa’s Arpora community, killing at least 25 people — including several tourists — in one of the coastal state’s deadliest recent tragedies. Officials say the blaze erupted around midnight on Saturday and spread rapidly through the building before emergency teams could respond.
Early investigations suggest the fire began after a gas cylinder exploded in the club’s kitchen. Most of those who died were staff members on duty, while four of the victims were tourists whose nationalities have not yet been confirmed. Seven others are receiving treatment, with one survivor suffering burns over 60% of their body.
Goa state authorities say the nightclub did not have the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) and may have been operating in violation of safety rules. Fire crews extinguished the blaze within 30 minutes, but officials say heavy smoke and rapidly spreading flames left many trapped inside.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening” and announced federal compensation for victims’ families. State leaders have ordered a full inquiry into the cause of the fire and possible regulatory breaches.
