A devastating fire at a well-known nightclub in India’s North Goa has claimed at least 25 lives. The blaze broke out after midnight on Saturday (6 December), local authorities and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed early Sunday (7 December).
The incident has been covered by multiple international news outlets, including the BBC, Indian Express, NDTV and PTI.
According to reports, the nightclub “Barch by Romeo Lane” is situated at Baga Beach in Arpora, a northern district of Goa. Baga Beach is recognised as one of Goa’s most popular coastal areas.
Reports stated that the fire started in the kitchen of the nightclub when a gas cylinder exploded, causing the flames to spread quickly. Fire service teams managed to control the fire by early Sunday morning.
Officials from the state police said that most of the bodies were recovered from the kitchen and adjacent areas. Initial assessments suggest that the majority of those killed were nightclub employees, though the bodies of several tourists were also found.
Speaking to journalists after the fire was brought under control, Goa’s Director General of Police Alok Kumar said the fire was mainly confined to the kitchen and the first floor of the club. He said most of the recovered bodies were found in and around the kitchen area, indicating that the victims were largely staff members.
He also confirmed that three to four tourists were among the deceased, but their identities had not yet been established.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later issued a statement expressing grief over the tragedy. He said the day was deeply sorrowful for all Goans and offered his condolences to families who had lost loved ones, describing the loss as beyond repair.
He further said that the state government has ordered an investigation into the incident and assured that all those whose negligence caused the accident would be held accountable under the law.
Glive24/SS