Tourists Among At Least 23 Dead in Goa nightclub Fire
At least 23 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, officials confirmed. Several tourists were among the victims. The blaze erupted around midnight at the club, a well-known destination in the Indian resort city.
goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the incident as “a very painful day for all of us in Goa,” posting on X (formerly Twitter): “A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people.” he stated he visited the site and ordered a full inquiry, promising “stringent action” against those found responsible for any negligence.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, Sawant indicated that “three to four” tourists were among the deceased. He explained that three people died from burn injuries, while the remaining fatalities were attributed to suffocation.
Goa, a former Portuguese colony renowned for its beaches, nightlife, and relaxed atmosphere, attracts millions of tourists annually.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports citing a possible “cylinder blast,” according to local media referencing police officials. Though, a thorough investigation is underway.
Local legislator Michael Lobo, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), stated that firefighters and police worked through the night on rescue efforts. Lobo also indicated that officials plan to conduct fire safety audits at similar venues to prevent future tragedies.
This incident follows a series of deadly fires in India. In May, a fire in Hyderabad claimed at least 17 lives in a three-story building. A month prior, a blaze at a kolkata hotel resulted in at least 15 deaths, with some individuals escaping by climbing out windows and onto the rooftop.In 2024, a fire at a crowded amusement park arcade in Gujarat led to at least 24 fatalities, attributed to inadequate safety standards and the collapse of a temporary structure.
