At least 23 people have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in the coastal region of Goa, India, local officials say.

The majority of victims are believed to be staff at the club in Arpora, North Goa, while tourists are also among the dead.

Police believe a gas cylinder exploded in the club’s kitchen causing the blaze to rip through the venue at midnight on Saturday, local time.

Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement: “Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa.”

“The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor,” said Shri Alok Kumar, Goa’s Director General of Police.

“The fire occurred around midnight. It has now been brought under control.”

Most of the bodies were found around the kitchen “suggesting that the victims were employed at the club,” Mr Alok Kumar added.

The Indian Express reports the fire broke out at a club called Birch by Romeo Lane at Baga, located at the one of the coastal region’s most popular beaches.

Rescue services were still underway in the early hours of Sunday morning, local media reported.

Three people died from burn injuries while others died from suffocations, Dr Sawant told journalists.

He said “three to four” tourists had died. Their age and nationalities are not yet known.

A formal inquiry into the cause of the fire has launched, the chief minister said.

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

“I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.”

Goa is former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. Its nightlife, sandy beaches, and resorts attract millions of tourists annually.