25 killed, several injured in Goa’s Arpora nightclub fire, PM Modi announces ex-gratia

At least 23 persons were killed in a blaze at a nightclub in North Goa following a cylinder blast late Saturday night.

Breaking News: In a tragic incident, at least 25 people were killed, and several were injured in a blaze at a nightclub in North Goa following a cylinder blast late Saturday night. Of the victims, 4 were confirmed tourists, 14 were staff members, and the identities of 7 are still unknown, Goa police told to news agency ANI. Six people were injured and are undergoing treatment. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations by the police and fire department are ongoing. Legal action is underway

The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane after midnight. The popular party venue at Arpora village, around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year.

PM Modi expresses grief over Arpora fire tragedy in Goa

Earlier today, PM  Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Arpora, calling the incident “deeply saddening”. He even conveyed his support to the affected families. Taking to X, PM Modi stated, “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 affected.”

#WATCH | Goa | Aftermath of the fire that broke out at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming the lives of 23 people. pic.twitter.com/v6qleY5WJX

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday expressed deep grief over the Arpora fire that killed 23 people, describing it as a “very painful day” for the state, and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

What actions will authorities take?

Sharing a post on X(previously Twitter), Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wrote, “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. 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 ordered an inquiry into this incident. The investigation will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law- any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”

Calling the incident unfortunate, CM stated, “This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season in the coastal state.”He even ordered a probe. “We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and stringent action will be taken against the guilty,” the chief minister added. Authorities have initiated investigations into the tragedy, and efforts are ongoing to provide medical assistance and support to the injured and the families of the victims.

#WATCH | Goa | Aftermath of the fire that broke out at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming the lives of 23 people. pic.twitter.com/v6qleY5WJX

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025

What caused the massive fire at the Arpora nightclub?

The investigation is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the Goa police chief Alok Kumar told PTI that the fire occurred due to a cylinder blast. “All the 23 bodies have been recovered from the premises and sent to the government medical college at Bambolim,” local BJP MLA Michael Lobo added. Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot immediately and were engaged in rescue efforts through the night, Lobo told reporters.

While speaking to news agency ANI, a security guard at a restaurant near the one where the fire broke out said, “We heard a massive explosion. We later learned that the fire broke out after a cylinder blast…”

#WATCH | Goa | A security guard at a restaurant near the one where the fire broke out says, “…We heard a massive explosion. We later learned that the fire broke out after a cylinder blast…” https://t.co/ILHAyzftKA pic.twitter.com/QJ0tgFIRZ9

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025

Lobo said officials will conduct the fire safety audit of all the clubs to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The Calangute panchayat will be issuing notices to all the nightclubs on Monday asking them to provide fire safety permissions, the MLA said. The licenses of clubs not having necessary permissions will be cancelled, he added.