At least 23 people have died in a fire at a popular nightclub on the Indian coast of Goa, local officials said.
Most of the victims are believed to be employees of a club in Arpora, north Goa, and tourists were also among the dead.
Police believe that a gas tank exploded in the club’s kitchen around midnight on Saturday local time, causing flames to engulf the entire venue.
“This is a very painful day for all of us in Goa,” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement.
“The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen on the first floor,” Goa police chief Shri Alok Kumar said.
“The fire broke out around midnight. It is now under control.”
Alok Kumar added, “It is presumed that the victims were employed by the club as most of the bodies were found around the kitchen.”
The Indian Express reported that the fire broke out at a club called Birch by Romeo Lane in Baga, located on one of the coastal region’s most popular beaches.
Local media reported that rescue teams were still underway early Sunday morning.
Three people died from burns and another from suffocation, Dr Sawant told reporters.
He said “three or four” tourists were killed. Age and nationality are not yet known.
The Prime Minister said a formal investigation into the cause of the fire had been launched.
“Those found responsible will face the strictest action under the law,” Dr Sawant said. “Any culpability will be dealt with sternly.”
“We express our deepest sorrow and sincere condolences to all the families who have suffered this unimaginable time of loss.”
Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. Its nightlife, sandy beaches and resorts attract millions of tourists every year.
