A devastating fire swept through a well-known nightclub in Goa, India, resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 people, including tourists, as confirmed by the state’s chief minister on Sunday.

The incident took place just after midnight in Arpora village, a vibrant party destination located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Panaji, the state capital.

Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, reported that the majority of those who died were kitchen staff at the club, alongside a few tourists. Six individuals sustained injuries but are currently in stable condition. All of the deceased have been accounted for, according to the official statement.

The Press Trust of India, citing local police sources, revealed that a gas cylinder explosion was the cause of the fire, which has now been fully extinguished. However, eyewitnesses mentioned that the blaze originated on the nightclub’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were enjoying the dance floor. In the ensuing panic, some fled to the kitchen on the lower level, only to find themselves trapped with the staff.

Fatima Shaikh, a witness, described the chaotic scene as the fire erupted. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” she recounted to the news agency.

The nightclub, located along the Arpora River backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit that forced the firefighters to park their tankers about 400 meters (1,300 feet) away, delaying the efforts, the news agency said.

Sawant said the club had violated fire safety regulations. The state government ordered an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and responsibility, he said, adding that authorities would act against the club management and officials who allowed it to operate despite the violations.

Local village council official Roshan Redkar told the news agency that authorities had earlier issued a demolition notice for the club, which didn’t have construction permit from the government. But higher officials rolled back the order, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post called the fire “deeply saddening# and said he spoke with Sawant. Modi said the government “is providing all possible assistance” while offering condolences to the victims’ families.

Accidents, particularly involving gas cylinders and electric short circuits, aren’t uncommon in India and often result in casualties, underlining the need for authorities to implement stringent safety protocols.

“This is not just an accident; it is a criminal failure of safety and governance,” Rahul Gandhi, a top leader of India’s main opposition Congress party, wrote in a social media post. He called for a transparent probe to “fix accountability and ensure such preventable tragedies don’t occur again.”

The western coastal state of Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its sandy beaches.