Goa Dec 07 (KINS): At least 23 people were killed in a massive blaze that engulfed a nightclub in North Goa following a cylinder blast late Saturday night, police said.
Most of the victims were kitchen workers employed at the club and included three women, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. “Three to four tourists are also among the deceased,” he added.
Sawant, who rushed to the spot, told reporters that of the 23 victims, three succumbed to severe burn injuries while the remaining died due to suffocation. As per initial findings, the nightclub had not complied with mandatory fire safety norms, he said.
The fire broke out at the popular party venue, “Birch by Romeo Lane,” located in Arpora village, about 25 km from the state capital Panaji, shortly after midnight. The club had opened last year.
“We will take strict action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” the chief minister said. (KINS)
