At least 25 killed as fire engulfs Goa nightclub

At least 25 people were killed when a massive fire, reportedly sparked by a series of LPG cylinder explosions, tore through Birch by Romeo Lane—a nightclub in Arpora, a coastal village in north Goa — on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

- Gerard De Souza

According to a statement issued by the Goa Police, among the 25 victims, four were tourists and 14 were staff members, while the identities of seven remain unconfirmed.

"Six persons are injured and their treatment is ongoing. The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained. Police and fire department investigation is in progress. Legal action is being taken," the statement added.

Police said that most of those killed were staff members. "Three persons are believed to have died of burn injuries as a result of the explosion; others died of smoke inhalation," an official said.

The Prime Minister's Office has announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹2 lakh to those killed in the incident and ₹50,000 for those injured.