Tourists among 25 killed in Goa nightclub fire

THE death toll from the massive fire in a club at Goa's Arpora has risen to 25, with 4 of them identified as tourists and 14 others as staff members, Goa Police said on Sunday.

The blaze broke out about midnight at a club in Arpora in the North Goa district, according to officials cited by the Press Trust of India news agency.

"Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people," Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wrote on X.

"I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry into this incident," he said. 

"Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law -- any negligence will be dealt with firmly."

The minister said he was deeply grieved and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.

Sawant told journalists at the scene that "three to four" tourists had died.

Three people died from burn injuries, while the others died from suffocation, he said.

"It's a tragic incident that should never have happened. The business was operating without proper permission, and that negligence led to the fire," he said.

PM Modi expresses grief over Arpora fire tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Arpora, calling the incident "deeply saddening" and conveying his support to the affected families.

In an X post, the Prime Minister said, "The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

'Deeply pained': President Murmu expresses grief over Goa fire

Expressing grief over the fire mishap in Arpora that claimed the lives of 25 people, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended condolences to the families of the victims.

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote, "Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the shores of the Arabian Sea, lures millions of tourists every year with its nightlife, sandy beaches and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

But fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.

Local media, citing police officials, say the fire was suspected to have been started by a "cylinder blast" but added that further investigation was required.

PTI quoted local legislator Michael Lobo as saying firefighters and police were engaged in rescue efforts through the night.

Lobo added that officials would conduct a fire safety audit at similar venues to prevent similar incidents from occurring.