Nightclub fire in India kills 23 in tourist hotspot

At least 23 people have died after a fire broke out at a nightclub in the Indian state of Goa.

Most of the victims were believed to be employees of the venue, the Indian Express and other outlets reported. The bodies were recovered from the site.

Authorities suspect the blaze, which broke out around midnight on Saturday, was triggered by a gas cylinder explosion in the club's kitchen area, the PTI news agency quoted Goa's police chief as saying.

Goa is a popular beach destination for both Indian and international tourists and the incident occurred during the state's peak tourist season.

The state government has ordered an inquiry into this incident, chief minister Pramod Sawant said in a post on X.

The Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora is located just a few kilometres from the popular beaches of Baga and Calangute, in the heart of North Goa, the area most frequented by tourists.

Sawant visited the site of the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

"The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law- any negligence will be dealt with firmly," Sawant said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the state government was providing all possible assistance to those affected.

"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," he wrote on X.

The prime minister's office guaranteed that compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $A3356) for the next of kin of those killed in the fire, and 50,000 rupees for those injured.

The winter months are typically peak season in India's smallest state.

with reuters, EFE