Panaji: A late night fire at a popular nightclub in Goa has claimed the lives of at least 23 people and left several others injured. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora around 1 am on Saturday. Initial reports suggest that the incident may have started after a gas cylinder explosion in the kitchen area. Witnesses said the fire spread quickly and many people inside the club had little time to escape. Officials said most of the victims were staff members, and the bodies of many were found near the staircase and kitchen area, indicating they may have been trapped while trying to escape. Among the dead are at least three women and a few tourists.

More than 50 people were taken to nearby hospitals. Some of the injured are being treated at Goa Medical College. Doctors said

See Full Page