India, Dec. 7 -- A devastating fire tore through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, shortly after 1 am on Friday, leaving 25 people dead and more than 50 others injured, media reports said.

The injured have been rushed to the Goa Medical College, where many remain in critical condition.

Authorities said most of the victims died due to severe smoke inhalation as the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the multi-level establishment within seconds.

Initial reports suggested that a cylinder blast near the kitchen triggered the blaze, but the Goa Director General of Police later clarified that the cylinders were found intact during inspection.

The source of the explosion-like sound that preceded the inferno is now...