New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep sorrow over the fire tragedy in Arpora, Goa, where 23 people lost their lives after a blaze broke out at a restaurant-cum-club around midnight.

In a post on X, he described the incident as “deeply saddening” and said his thoughts were with the bereaved families, adding that he had spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who assured that the state government was providing all necessary assistance.

Local accounts pointed to an explosion before the fire escalated. A resident told ANI they heard an explosion while passing the area and later saw ambulances arriving. A security guard working near the establishment also said they heard a “massive explosion”, which they later learned was linked to a cylinder blast.

BJP MLA Michael Lobo expressed shock over the tragedy and said the 23 victims included three women and 20 men, many of whom were workers in the basement of the restaurant. He called for a safety audit of all clubs in Goa, noting that the state’s reputation as a safe tourist destination must be upheld and that such incidents should not recur.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described it as a “very painful day” for Goa and ordered an inquiry into the cause of the fire. During his visit to the site, he termed the incident “unfortunate” and promised stringent action against those found responsible, particularly if illegal operations were involved.

Goa DGP Alok Kumar said the first alert reached the police control room at 12.04 am, after which police, fire services and ambulances were deployed immediately. He confirmed that all bodies had been recovered and said the fire was brought under control. The police will determine the exact cause of the fire as part of the investigation.

Emergency teams worked through the night to manage the situation, transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities have now begun a detailed probe while support is being provided to families of the deceased and those injured in the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the Arpora fire tragedy in Goa, where 23 people died after a major blaze erupted at a restaurant-cum-club shortly after midnight. Calling the incident “deeply saddening”, he said his thoughts were with families who lost their loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also spoke to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who assured that the state government was extending all possible assistance.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing an explosion before the fire spread. A local resident told ANI that they heard a loud blast while heading home and later saw ambulances arriving. A security guard employed at a nearby restaurant also recounted hearing a “massive explosion”, later attributed to a cylinder blast.

BJP MLA Michael Lobo confirmed that the fire resulted in 23 deaths—three women and 20 men—including tourists and several local workers who were trapped in the basement. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive safety audit of all clubs in Goa, stressing the importance of ensuring safety for both tourists and employees. He added that most deaths appeared to have been caused by suffocation.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a “very painful day” for Goa and extended condolences to the affected families. He termed the deaths “very unfortunate” during his visit to the site and announced a government inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire. He said strict action would follow against anyone found responsible, particularly if illegal operations contributed to the tragedy.

Goa DGP Alok Kumar said the first emergency call was received at 12.04 am. Police, the fire brigade and ambulances responded promptly, and the fire was eventually brought under control. He confirmed that all 23 bodies had been recovered. Police have begun a detailed investigation and will take action based on findings.

Officials said emergency crews worked through the night to evacuate survivors, transport the injured to nearby hospitals, and control the blaze. A full inquiry is now underway as authorities extend support to families of the victims and the injured.