Nightclub Fire in Goa Results in 23 Fatalities
A fire at a nightclub in Goa, India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, according to local officials. The incident occurred around midnight local time on Saturday.
Incident Details
The blaze was concentrated in the kitchen area on the ground floor of the Birch by Romeo Lane club in Baga, Arpora, North Goa. Police indicate that a gas cylinder explosion in the club's kitchen is believed to have initiated the fire.
Casualties
The majority of the victims are believed to be staff members employed at the club. A number of tourists are also among the deceased. Three individuals succumbed to burn injuries, while others died from suffocation. The ages and nationalities of the tourists who died have not yet been released.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Goa's Director General of Police, Shri Alok Kumar, confirmed that the fire has been brought under control. Rescue operations were ongoing in the early hours of Sunday morning. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced the launch of a formal inquiry into the cause of the fire, stating that those found responsible for any negligence will face legal action.
Regional Context
Goa, a former Portuguese colony located on the Arabian Sea, is a coastal region known for its nightlife, beaches, and resorts, attracting millions of tourists annually.