NEW DELHI, India: Twenty-five people, mostly kitchen workers and some tourists, died when a fire destroyed Birch, a popular nightclub in Goa, India, on December 7, the state's chief minister said.

The fire started just after midnight in Arpora village in North Goa, a major party area about 15 miles from Panaji, the state capital.

Six other people were injured but are stable, he said. All the bodies have been found.

Local police told the Press Trust of India that a gas cylinder blast caused the fire, which has now been put out. But witnesses said the fire began on the first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing. Some tourists ran to the kitchen below and got trapped with the staff.

One visitor, Fatima Shaikh, said the flames caused panic. "We rushed out only to see the whole place burning," she said.

The club was by the Arpora River backwaters and had narrow entry and exit points. Firefighters had to park about 400 meters away, which slowed their work.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the club had broken fire safety rules. The state ordered an inquiry to find the exact cause and who is responsible. He said action would be taken against the club and officials who allowed it to operate.

A village council official said the club had earlier received a demolition notice because it did not have a proper construction permit, but higher officials canceled the order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media that the fire was "deeply saddening" and that the government is helping the victims' families.

Deadly accidents involving gas cylinders or electrical problems are common in India and underscore the need for strict safety rules.

Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the opposition Congress party, called it a "criminal failure of safety and governance" and demanded a transparent investigation.

Goa is one of India's top tourist spots, famous for its beaches.