Sudden Nightclub Fire Kills 23

At least 23 people have died after a fire erupted at a nightclub in Goa, India, early Sunday, according to local media citing state police. Most of the victims are believed to have been employees of the club, with their bodies recovered from the scene.

Authorities suspect the blaze, which broke out around midnight, was caused by a gas cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen, Goa’s police chief told the PTI news agency. Details on whether anyone sustained injuries remain unclear.

The fire occurred in Arpora, a coastal town in northern Goa known for its beaches, nightlife, and tropical climate, which draws both domestic and international tourists. The incident comes during the winter months, the peak tourist season in India’s smallest state.