A fire at a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, India, resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals early Sunday morning. The incident also caused injuries to six others, who are reported to be in stable condition.
Incident Details
The blaze occurred just after midnight and was attributed to a gas cylinder explosion, according to local police and the Press Trust of India news agency. Most of the fatalities were identified as kitchen staff of the club, along with three to four tourists. Approximately 100 people were present on the dance floor when the fire erupted, with several reportedly rushing towards the kitchen area, where they became trapped with staff.
Emergency Response and Structural Issues
Firefighting efforts were reportedly hampered by the club's location along the Arpora river backwaters, which featured a narrow entry and exit. This layout necessitated fire brigades to position their tankers approximately 400 meters from the site, delaying access and response.
Local village council official Roshan Redkar stated that authorities had previously issued a demolition notice for the establishment due to a lack of a construction permit. This order was subsequently rescinded by higher officials.
Official Statements and Inquiry
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the casualties and injuries, adding that the state government has initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the fire and assess compliance with fire safety norms and building regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, describing the incident as "deeply saddening." He confirmed discussions with Chief Minister Sawant and stated that the state government is providing assistance to those affected.
Broader Context
The incident highlights concerns regarding the enforcement of safety regulations in India, where adherence to such protocols is sometimes overlooked. Accidents involving gas cylinders are not uncommon in the country and frequently result in casualties. Goa, located on India's western coast, is a prominent tourist destination known for its beaches.