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A fire broke out at a popular nightclub in the coastal region of Goa, India, killing at least 23 people, local officials said.
Most of the victims are believed to have been staff of the Arbora Club in North Goa, but tourists were also among the dead.
Police believe a gas bottle exploded in the club’s kitchen at midnight local time on Saturday, causing the fire to sweep through the venue.
“Today is a very painful day for all of Goa,” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement.
“The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the first floor,” Goa Police Commissioner Shri Alok Kumar said.
“The fire broke out around midnight. It is now under control.”
Alok Kumar added that most of the bodies were found around the kitchen, “suggesting that the victims were employed by the club”.
According to the Indian Express, the fire broke out at a club called Birch by Romeo Lane in Baga, which is located on one of the most popular beaches in the coastal region.
Rescue efforts were still underway early Sunday morning, local media reported.
Dr Sawant told reporters that three people died of burn injuries and others died of suffocation.
He said “three to four” tourists died. Their ages and nationalities are unclear.
The Chief Minister said a formal investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.
Dr Sawant said: “Those found responsible will face the most severe action under the law – any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
“I am deeply saddened at this time of unimaginable loss and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones.”
Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. Its nightlife, beaches and resorts attract millions of tourists every year.
