Nightclub In Indian Cave Burns, 25 People Died Including Tourists

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA A fire engulfed a popular nightclub in the Indian state of Goa, killing 25 people, including tourists.

The fire occurred right after midnight in Arpora village in North Goa, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the state capital, Panaji.

Goa's Main Minister, Pramod Sawant, said most of the victims who died were kitchen workers at the club, as well as three to four tourists. Six people were injured and in stable condition.

The fire was caused by a gas cylinder explosion, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing local police. However, witnesses told the news agency the fire began on the club's first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were on the dance floor.

Some people rushed into the bottom kitchen in the chaos and were caught up with staff.

Fatima Shaikh said the panic started when the fire started to flare up.

"We rushed out of the club and found the entire building on fire," he said as quoted by the Associated Press, Monday, December 8.

The nightclub, which is located along the Arpora River, has a narrow entrance and exit so firefighters are forced to park their fire trucks about 400 meters away, delaying extinguishing efforts.

Sawant said the club had violated fire safety regulations.

The state government ordered an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and its responsibility. The authorities will take action against the management and club officials who allow it to operate despite violations.