India’s Goa launches inquiry after nightclub fire kills 25

Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, killing 25 people.

Reuters

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on X that the investigation would determine the cause of the blaze and assign responsibility. He added that six injured people were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted his condolences on X, saying his office would provide 200,000 rupees to each victim’s family and 50,000 rupees to those injured. Police said they were alerted to the fire at 12:04 a.m., and emergency teams worked through the night to bring it under control, with all bodies recovered.

Local and social media images showed firefighters tackling the flames and ambulances at the scene, though Reuters could not immediately confirm whether the images were from the nightclub. Police told the ANI news agency that at least four of the dead were tourists and 14 were club staff. Goa is a major tourist destination, attracting more than five million visitors in the first half of the year, according to government data.

The stampede occurred on Friday night during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village, which is known for events including fire-walking.

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