Fire at nightclub in Goa kills 25, injures 6

Panaji: A major fire broke out at a nightclub in North Goa after midnight on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and injuring six more, according to authorities. While the police first stated that 23 people died in the fire, they later confirmed two additional deaths. A fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killed 25 people, according to a police spokesman.

The deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identity of the remaining seven was yet to be established, he said.

Six persons suffered injuries in the blaze and they are currently undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, near here, the official said.

The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, he said.

"The police and fire department are conducting the investigation and legal action is being taken," the official said.

As per initial information, the nightclub had not abided by the fire safety norms, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, PTI reported.

The nightclub, a popular party venue at Arpora village, located around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year.

“We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Sawant said.

“This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season in the coastal state,” Sawant said. “We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and stringent action will be taken against the guilty,” he added.