Goa Nightclub Fire Kills 25 Amid Safety Violations; PM Modi, President Murmu Mourn Loss
At least 25 people, including kitchen staff and tourists, were killed and 50 injured after a gas cylinder explosion triggered a devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora village late Saturday night, officials confirmed on Sunday.
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| Image Source: GloballyPop on X |
Goa Police chief Alok Kumar stated that the fire broke out following a gas cylinder blast, adding that the blaze was brought under control in the early hours.
“A total of 25 people have died, including four confirmed tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven are yet to be established. Six others are injured and undergoing treatment,” he told reporters.
Visuals circulating online showed flames engulfing the low-rise structure and emergency responders evacuating the wounded.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site shortly after the fire was contained, confirmed that three of the victims died due to burn injuries while the rest succumbed to smoke inhalation.
He later revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the nightclub had not followed mandatory fire safety protocols.
“We will take action against the club management and also against officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” he said, calling it a “very painful day” for Goa.
The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. The local administration is carrying out rescue and relief operations and providing the necessary care to the affected. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 7, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her grief over the incident, calling it “deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives,” in a post on X.
Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Arpora, Goa. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 7, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke with CM Sawant about the tragedy, announced ex gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of those deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said.
Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people.
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 6, 2025
I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.
I visited the incident site and have…
The club, a well-known destination for partygoers and tourists, had opened just last year and is located approximately 25 kilometers from the state capital, Panaji.
Local MLA Michael Lobo, who was also at the site, described the fire as a tragedy that casts a shadow over Goa’s image as a tourist-friendly state.
“We need to conduct a safety audit of all other clubs in Goa. Tourists have always considered Goa a very safe destination, but the fire incident is very disturbing,” he said.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, spoke to me regarding the tragic fire incident at Arpora, and I apprised him of the current situation on the ground. The Government of Goa is extending all assistance to the affected families, during this difficult time. https://t.co/Oa7MlKplzS
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 7, 2025
He also confirmed that the Calangute panchayat would begin issuing notices to all clubs starting Monday, demanding proof of valid fire safety compliance.
Establishments found to be operating without proper clearances will face cancellation of licenses.
The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2025
According to officials, many of the victims were club staff who became trapped in the basement. “Most people died due to suffocation as they ran towards the basement,” said Lobo.
Authorities have launched a formal inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the fire and promised stringent action against those found responsible.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/BcS0jYnvVx
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 7, 2025
The incident adds to a series of recent fatal fires in India, often blamed on lax safety enforcement and poor compliance with building codes.
The tragedy in Goa, during the peak tourist season, is likely to intensify scrutiny of fire safety compliance at entertainment venues across the country.
This is a developing story.