At Least 23 Killed in Goa Club Fire; India Orders Full Investigation

At least 23 people were killed in a late-night fire at a Goa recreational club in India, prompting investigations into safety violations and permits.

At least 23 people were killed after a late-night fire swept through a recreational club in the coastal state of Goa, India, officials said on Saturday. Most of the victims were staff members working inside the building when the blaze erupted.

Authorities believe the fire began in the kitchen, possibly triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, before rapidly spreading through the structure. Fire crews deployed multiple engines and spent several hours controlling the flames. The site has since been sealed for forensic examination.

Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar said most bodies were found near the kitchen, with two located elsewhere in the club. He added that investigators are awaiting laboratory results before confirming the exact cause of the explosion.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a formal inquiry and said legal action would follow against the club management and any officials who approved permits despite safety lapses. He said the case would examine whether fire standards and building codes were ignored.

Local media, reported that blocked or poorly marked emergency exits may have trapped victims, a recurring safety issue in entertainment venues across India. Previous fatal fires in Mumbai and Delhi have sparked similar criticism of weak enforcement.

Goa’s nightlife-driven tourism sector includes hundreds of clubs, resorts and beach venues. Safety experts say rapid development and inconsistent regulation continue to expose workers and visitors to preventable risks.

Officials said efforts are underway to identify all victims and find missing staff members. They warned the death toll could rise as structural checks continue.

The tragedy has reignited nationwide debate over India’s fire safety laws, with advocacy groups urging mandatory compliance audits, stronger penalties, and regular inspections for hospitality and entertainment venues.

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