In the northern village of Arpora, a renowned nightclub became the scene of a tragic accident late Saturday night. The venue, bustling with music and colored lights, quickly turned into a place of panic as guests enjoying their night out were engulfed by chaos. Roughly a hundred people were present when a sudden cylinder explosion triggered a ferocious fire, rapidly engulfing the club and leaving behind a landscape of desperation and chaos. The incident has tragically claimed the lives of 25 individuals.
According to police reports, many individuals who sustained injuries are receiving medical treatment. The tragedy unfolded near Baga Beach, approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital. Among the partygoers was Fatima Sheikh from Hyderabad, who witnessed the calamity. She recounted that everything seemed normal until suddenly the ambience shifted dramatically. There was a flurry of activity, then smoke, followed by towering flames. As they ran for safety, she saw the entire building swallowed by fire.
Within moments, the lively dance floor beneath the bright lights transformed into a terrifying and suffocating frenzy. Narrow corridors, makeshift structures of palm leaves, and panicked people created a terrifying scene. "We were on the dance floor when chaos erupted," Fatima recollected. "As we looked around, the building was engulfed in flames. People screamed and ran. We hurried towards the exit, desperate for safety.
Fatima mentioned that the fire originated on the club's first floor where most tourists were dancing. Panicking individuals mistakenly ran towards the club's kitchen, which was staffed at the time, leading to many casualties there.
Source: aajtak
Vinod and Pradeep, employees in the kitchen, lost their lives. Their uncle, informed at four in the morning, raced to the club and then to the hospital, yet has not been able to retrieve their bodies. Paperwork is ongoing, and police are not disclosing much information. The deceased's uncle mourned the loss of his two nephews, aged 18 and 20, who perished in the blaze along with a neighbor, all hailing from Jharkhand.
Read also: Goa's Famous Nightclub Cylinder Blast...23 Dead, CM Pramod Sawant Orders Probe
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the scene to assess the situation. He noted that the club had not adhered to fire safety regulations and promised a comprehensive investigation, assuring action against both the club management and the officials who permitted its operation.
So far, nearly 25 fatalities have been recorded, predominantly among kitchen staff, including three women. Tourists also numbered among the victims.
The fire brigade encountered difficulties accessing the site due to its riverside location and narrow entry route. Fire trucks had to be parked about 400 meters away, complicating firefighting efforts.
Source: aajtak
Read also: Explosion Fears Sent People Into Basement Panic... 20 Lives Lost Amidst Smoke Suffocation, Goa Nightclub Tragedy Claims 25 Lives
State police have cited a cylinder blast as the cause, though eyewitnesses assert that the blaze started on the first floor, with the cylinder explosion following. Officials reported that suffocation was the leading cause of death, as those trapped in the kitchen could not escape and succumbed to the intense smoke and flames.
Roshan Redkar, sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, said the club was managed by Saurav Luthra, who had disputes with his partner. It was discovered that the club's construction lacked necessary permissions, and the Panchayat had issued a demolition notice, subsequently halted by authorities. Redkar emphasized the need for heightened vigilance regarding establishments flouting regulations.
Source: aajtak
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo also visited the site, announcing that local Panchayats will audit fire safety across all nightclubs. Clubs will receive notifications, and those without proper fire safety clearance will face license cancellations. The Goa government is preparing decisive action, enforcing stringent fire security measures, auditing all nightclubs, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
CM Sawant Orders Magisterial Investigation
Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed grave concern over the catastrophic fire in Arpora. He stated on social media that he is closely monitoring the situation, with all injured receiving essential medical care and their conditions stable.
CM Sawant emphasized that an FIR has been lodged against the nightclub's owner and general manager, who is to be arrested. He mandated a magisterial inquiry into the incident to uncover its causes and ensure accountability. The government is committed to a thorough examination of the case and will not tolerate negligence. The death toll has reached 25, with 6 individuals injured.
