At least 25 people killed and six injured in Goa nightclub fire

The deadly blaze, which broke out on Saturday night, is suspected to have been caused by ‘electrical fireworks’

At least 25 people have been killed in a fire at a nightclub in Goa, according to state officials.

The blaze reportedly broke out just before midnight on Saturday (December 13) at Birch By Romeo Lane, a popular bar and nightclub in Sankwadi, North Goa, where hundreds had gathered.

According to the state’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the fire was suspected to have been caused by ‘electrical fireworks’ that were set off indoors, causing a spark that grew into a rapidly spreading blaze.

CNN reports that the blaze then spread to the furniture inside the venue, causing people began to run for the exits. Sawant noted that there were just two exits, meaning some were unable to escape.

He noted that one group took refuge in the basement kitchen, though it was quickly filled with smoke. 23 of the 25 people who sought safety in the kitchen died of suffocation.

Five Indian tourists from Delhi and Karnataka were among those killed, four of those from the same family. Three Nepali nationals also died in the blaze.

Six people were also injured in the fire, all of whom are currently undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College, according to Sawant.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his office will compensate the families of victims 200,000 rupees (£1,666) and those injured 50,000 rupees (£415), per CNN.

Saurabh Luthra, one of the nightclub’s owners, expressed his “profound grief” over those who lost their lives, saying in an Instagram story: “[We] shall extend every possible form of assistance, support, and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter

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