At least 25 people have died after a fire tore through a crowded nightclub in the Indian state of Goa overnight, officials said Sunday.

 

The blaze broke out just after midnight at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, located in the village of Arpora in north Goa, a popular tourist area.

 

Among the dead are 14 club staff members, four tourists, and seven individuals whose identities remain unconfirmed. Six other people were injured and are being treated in hospital.

 

Preliminary investigation suggests the fire may have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion on the club’s first floor, where around 100 people were reportedly dancing. Several of those who tried to escape rushed into the kitchen area, only to become trapped in the basement — a space lacking proper emergency exits. Most victims are believed to have died from suffocation rather than burns.

 

The state’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised stringent action against the club management and any officials found negligent. Authorities say the venue lacked mandatory fire-safety compliance and was operating without required building permits.

 

The tragedy has shocked the nation. Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said the government will extend all possible support to those affected.