The fire started around 1 am on Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded inside the popular nightclub, a well-known party venue located about 25 kilometres from Goa’s state capital, Panaji. According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted on the first floor of the venue, where tourists were dancing, triggering chaos. Many panicked and rushed toward the basement, where they became trapped, unable to escape the rising flames and suffocating smoke. Officials said that most of the victims died due to suffocation, while three people succumbed to severe burn injuries.
In a statement issued by Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, he confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against the nightclub’s owner and general manager, who will face arrest. Sawant, who visited the site, also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine the cause and fix responsibility. The Chief Minister announced that action would be taken against the officials responsible for allowing the nightclub to operate despite violations of safety norms. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Sawant told reporters after his visit to the scene.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences, stating that the local administration is conducting rescue and relief operations. “The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, offering his condolences to the victims’ families. “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,” he posted on X. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly through the venue. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, “There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames.” Local police stated that over 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out.
In response to the devastating incident, Goa’s BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for a thorough safety audit of all clubs in the state. “I am disturbed because of the incident. The safety of tourists and workers in these establishments is extremely important. Most people died due to suffocation as they ran toward the basement,” he said. Lobo emphasised that such incidents should never be allowed to occur again, stressing the need for stringent safety measures.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire. While initial reports suggest the explosion of a gas cylinder triggered the blaze, further inquiry is ongoing to identify any lapses in the venue’s fire safety systems. The local police and fire department are reviewing all aspects of the club’s operations, including its compliance with safety standards.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols at nightclubs and other entertainment venues in Goa, particularly with regard to fire hazards and evacuation procedures. With tourism being a major industry in the state, ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists has become an urgent priority for the government.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy and ensure that such an incident is prevented in the future.