Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 7: A devastating fire tore through a popular club in North Goa’s Arpora past midnight on Saturday, leaving at least 23 people dead and several others injured.

The blaze erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub located near Baga beach, one of the state’s busiest tourist hubs. Preliminary police inquiries suggest the fire may have been triggered by a cylinder explosion in the kitchen area.

Fire tenders from multiple stations were deployed, and rescue efforts continued into the early hours of Sunday as firefighters battled intense flames and dense smoke.

Senior police officials, including director general of police Alok Kumar, rushed to the site. According to Kumar, most of the victims are believed to be staff members who were inside the kitchen when the fire broke out.

“So far, 23 casualties have been confirmed. The fire started around midnight and has been brought under control. The source and cause are still being investigated. Most bodies were recovered from the kitchen area, and two from the staircase,” the DGP said.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the state.

Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He said he had spoken to chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant and assured full support to the state in aiding those affected.