A tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa, India, has claimed at least 23 lives, mostly employees and some tourists. The disaster struck around midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane in Baga, a popular spot for nightlife. Officials say a gas cylinder explosion in the kitchen sparked the fire, which spread quickly.
Alok Kumar, Goa’s Director General of Police, stated that many victims were found near the kitchen. Some people died from burns, while others succumbed to smoke inhalation. Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, confirmed that three or four tourists were among the deceased, though he did not specify their identities.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as partygoers fled the blaze. One witness recounted hearing screams before realizing a serious fire had erupted. Rescue crews worked through the night, searching the damaged venue for survivors and monitoring the aftermath.
The area around Baga is known for its vibrant nightlife, attracting both domestic and international visitors. As of this year, around 5.5 million tourists have visited Goa, underscoring its popularity as a vacation destination. However, this incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in entertainment venues across India.
In recent years, there have been several similar tragedies. Just a month earlier, a fire in a hotel in Kolkata resulted in 15 deaths. In May, another fire in Hyderabad killed 17 people. Experts argue that these incidents point to serious safety lapses, with inadequate measures in place to protect the public.
A formal investigation into the fire has begun, and officials promise to hold anyone responsible accountable. Chief Minister Sawant expressed deep condolences, emphasizing that strict action will follow any findings of negligence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his sadness over the incident on social media, reflecting a widespread sense of grief within the nation.
This catastrophe not only brings a wave of sorrow but also reignites discussions about enforcing stronger safety regulations at public venues, ensuring that tragedies like this do not happen again.
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