At least 25 dead after horror nightclub explosion in holiday destination

Horror nightclub explosion in holiday destination leaves tourists among the 25 dead (Image: X)

A horror explosion at a nightclub has left tourists among the 25 dead near one of the most popular beaches in Goa, India.  Police said most of the people who died in the fire were believed to have been kitchen staff after a suspected gas cylinder explosion.

Three or four tourists were thought to have been killed as the blaze ripped through the Birch nightclub in the northern Goa village of Arpora around midnight local time, reports the Indian Express. Six people were injured, and Goa’s chief minister Pramod Sawant confirmed they were in hospital in stable conditions receiving the "best medical care".

The charred interiors of a nightclub, which caught fire overnight on Saturday (Image: AP)

Several fire tenders were rushed to the spot which is located at one of the coastal region's most popular beaches, and rescue operations were underway until early Sunday morning.

Prime Minister of Narendra Modi has announced 200,000 Rupees (£1,666) will be given to the next of kin to the deceased, from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while the injured would be given Rs 50,000 (£416).

Sawant has ordered an inquiry into the incident to ensure fire rules were being adhered to, and assured the "most stringent action" will be taken against any negligence.

"Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa," Pramod Sawant posted on X. "I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.

"I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry into this incident. The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law- any negligence will be dealt with firmly."

Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa killed at least 25 people (Image: X)

A later post confirmed he was "closely reviewing" the situation arising from the tragic fire incident, and that he had ordered a magisterial inquiry to identify the cause and responsibility.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said: "The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.

"May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

The Express has contacted the Foreign Office for further updates.