A devastating fire erupted early Sunday morning at a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing at least 23 people, including several tourists, officials confirmed. The blaze broke out around midnight on Saturday, reportedly triggered by a gas cylinder explosion. Most of the victims were staff, with 21 succumbing to suffocation and two to burns. Bodies were found primarily in the kitchen and basement areas, highlighting the sudden and deadly nature of the incident.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the tragedy as a deeply painful day for Goa and announced a full inquiry into potential safety lapses at the nightclub. Authorities have also called for safety audits of all nightlife venues across the region ahead of the peak tourist season to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Rescue operations were swiftly carried out, and no additional injuries were reported after efforts concluded. The incident has sent shockwaves through Goa’s tourism-dependent economy, as locals and visitors mourn the loss of lives in one of the state’s busiest party districts.

The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining the cause of the explosion, adherence to fire safety norms, and whether regulatory lapses contributed to the high casualty rate. In the wake of the tragedy, Goa authorities have emphasized stricter enforcement of safety measures and heightened vigilance in entertainment venues.