23 feared dead in Goa nightclub fire

Altogether 23 people were killed in a blaze at a popular nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora village following a cylinder blast after midnight on Saturday.

The dead were primarily members of the kitchen staff, and included three women, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, adding there were “three to four tourists” among those killed.

Mr. Sawant, who rushed to the spot, told reporters that of the 23, three succumbed to burn injuries, and the others died due to suffocation.

According to initial information, the nightclub had not complied with fire safety norms, the CM said.

Police said the fire broke out at Birch, a popular party venue around 25 km from the state capital, Panaji, which opened last year, after midnight.

“We will take action against the club management and also officials who allowed them to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Mr. Sawant said.