At least 23 people died in the fire at a popular nightclub in the resort town of Goa in western India, Prime Minister Pramod Sawant and other officials announced on Sunday morning (December 7, 2025).
Police said several tourists were among the victims of the fire that broke out at a nightclub in Arpora in North Goa district, citing the Press Trust of India agency.
“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident in Arpora has claimed 23 lives,” Sawant wrote on X.
Ongoing investigation
Sawant told reporters at the scene that “three or four” tourists had died. In addition, he stated that three people died from burns while the others died from asphyxia.
“I visited the scene and ordered an investigation into this incident,” the minister said.
He added that “those responsible will face the strictest legal measures; any negligence will be severely punished.”
A former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea coast, Goa attracts millions of tourists every year with its nightlife, sandy beaches and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
mg (afp, reuters)