At least 23 killed in nightclub fire in Goa after cylinder blast

Guwahati: At least 23 people died in a fire at a nightclub in North Goa late on Saturday, December 6, 2025, after a cylinder explosion, police said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that most of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women, and that three to four tourists were also among those killed.

Sawant said three people died from burn injuries, while the rest succumbed to suffocation. He added that initial information shows the nightclub had not followed fire safety norms.

The fire started after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party spot in Arpora, about 25 km from Panaji.

The venue opened last year. Sawant said strict action will be taken against the club’s management and against officials who allowed it to operate despite safety lapses.

He called the incident “unfortunate,” especially during peak tourist season, and announced a detailed inquiry.

Goa Police chief Alok Kumar confirmed that the fire resulted from a cylinder blast.

Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said all 23 bodies were recovered and sent to the government medical college in Bambolim.

Firefighters and police teams reached the site immediately and carried out rescue operations through the night.

Lobo said authorities will conduct fire safety audits of all clubs to prevent similar incidents.

The Calangute panchayat will issue notices to nightclubs on Monday, asking them to submit fire safety permissions, and clubs without the required clearances will have their licenses cancelled.