The fire erupted around 1 a.m. local time in the Arpora area, located in North Goa. Initially, authorities suspected that the cause of the blaze was an explosion of a gas cylinder in the kitchen; however, this version was later disproved as inspections revealed that the cylinders remained intact. Nevertheless, the force of the explosion was extremely powerful, and the flames engulfed the club within seconds.
Preliminary reports indicate that among the victims are three to four tourists and 19 club staff members, but information regarding the nationality of the deceased has not yet been disclosed. The bodies of the victims have been sent for examination, and authorities continue to clarify the number of injured.
Firefighters were able to completely extinguish the flames only two hours after the incident began. The club has been sealed off, and the police have started interrogating the owners and management of the establishment. During the investigation, law enforcement intends to examine the club's safety, gas supply systems, evacuation plans, and any potential violations that may have led to this tragedy.
Rescue operations continued throughout the night, and authorities are working to establish the identities of the deceased and notify their families.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing her sorrow over the tragedy in North Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered compensation for the injured and the relatives of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
