At least 25 people dead after major fire at nightclub in Goa, India

At least 25 people have been killed after a fire at a nightclub in Goa, the state’s police service has said.

The fire reportedly started around midnight on Saturday local time.

The majority of victims were kitchen staff at the club – although around three to four tourists are thought to be among those killed.

Videos on social media showed emergency services lining up to help the injured – some of whom were taken to nearby hospitals.

Dr Pramod Sawant, Goa’s chief minister, said: “I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.”

He later said he was “closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire” – adding six additional people had been injured.

“All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care,” he said.

Authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control and all bodies have been recovered, the state’s police chief told reporters, according to Reuters news agency.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deadly fire was “deeply saddening”.

He said he had spoken with Goa’s chief minister and that “the state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected”.

Dr Sawant said he has “ordered an inquiry” to discover what happened after visiting the site.

“The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed,” he said.

“Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law – any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”

Goa, a small state on India’s western coast, is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of tourists every year.