A major tragedy struck Goa’s nightlife district late Sunday night when a powerful cylinder explosion tore through a popular nightclub, leaving 25 people dead and several others critically injured. The incident occurred during peak hours, when the club was packed with local residents and tourists.
Manager Arrested After Initial Probe
Police have arrested the nightclub manager on charges of negligence and violation of safety norms.
Early investigations suggest that multiple LPG cylinders were stored improperly, and one of them may have leaked before catching fire, triggering a chain explosion.
Officials also revealed that the club had ignored earlier warnings about overcrowding and inadequate emergency exits.
18 Victims Identified; 4 Were Tourists
Authorities confirmed that 18 of the 25 bodies have been identified, including four foreign and domestic tourists who were visiting Goa for the holiday season.
Family members have started arriving at hospitals to identify the remaining victims. Several injured individuals are being treated for severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Rescue Team Worked Through the Night
Firefighters and disaster response teams battled intense flames for hours before bringing the situation under control. The blast caused parts of the building to collapse, complicating rescue efforts.
Officials said that poor ventilation and illegal structural modifications inside the club contributed to the rapid spread of fire.
Government Orders High-Level Inquiry
Goa’s Chief Minister expressed grief over the incident and announced a high-level investigation into the club’s operations, safety compliance, and the circumstances leading to the explosion.
The state government has also promised financial assistance for families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
