Arpora, Goa | At least 23 people lost their lives after a massive fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora late on Sunday night, officials confirmed. The tragedy has triggered shock across the state and raised serious concerns about safety standards at nightlife establishments.
The fire was reported around midnight, following which emergency teams, including the police, fire brigade, and ambulances, rushed to the spot. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities worked through the night to bring the blaze under control.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the incident as “very unfortunate” and confirmed that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
“The incident is very unfortunate for a tourism state like Goa. The people who run such things illegally, and a fire incident occurred… 23 people have lost their lives. The government will conduct an inquiry into this incident. The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire, and those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” Sawant said.
Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar stated that the control room received the alert at 12:04 am.
“At 12.04 am, the police control room received information about a fire, and the police, fire brigade, and ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire is now under control, and all the bodies have been recovered. The total death count is 23. The police will investigate the cause of this incident, and action will follow based on the findings,” he said.
A detailed probe into the exact cause of the fire has already been initiated. Officials said that support is being extended to the injured victims and the families of those who lost their lives.
The tragic incident has raised urgent questions about fire safety compliance in Goa’s hospitality sector, with calls for stricter regulation and enforcement expected in the coming days.