A devastating blaze ravaged a nightclub in Arpora, situated in the Indian coastal state of Goa, on Sunday, claiming the lives of 25 individuals and leaving six others injured.

Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, announced on X that he has initiated a magisterial probe into the tragedy and confirmed that all six injured are in stable condition.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as “profoundly saddening.”

He stated, “My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope for the swift recovery of the injured. I have discussed the situation with Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji. The state government is extending every possible support to those affected.”

The aftermath of the fire, which erupted early Sunday, shows the charred remains of the nightclub’s interior in Arpora, Goa, India, as seen on December 7, 2025.

The Press Trust of India (PTI), the country’s largest independent news agency, reported that police initially pointed to a cylinder blast as the possible cause, but a surviving tourist told the agency that firecrackers set off during a dance routine likely ignited the blaze.

A woman identified as Riya, a tourist from New Delhi, told PTI that firecrackers were going off when the dancers were performing.

“The fire must have been caused due to this. There was a stampede-like situation,” she said.

People stand outside the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, which has been sealed for investigation following a fire that killed multiple people, in Goa, India, Dec. 7, 2025. (Ali Monis Naqvi/Reuters)

Another tourist, Fatima Shaikh, told PTI that more than 100 people had been on the dance floor at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub when the fire broke out, and some fled toward the kitchen, where they became trapped along with staff members.

“There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” she said.

The nightclub, which caught fire early Sunday, is seen across an expanse of water in Arpora, in Goa, India, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo)

A preliminary inquiry, according to PTI, indicated the fire began on the first floor, where congestion and narrow exits kept people from escaping.

“Some of them rushed to the ground floor and got trapped there,” said Sawant. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms. This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season.”