At least 25 people, including four tourists, were killed and many others injured around midnight Saturday in a devastating fire at a nightclub in India's western state of Goa, police said on Sunday.

The fire tore through a popular nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa district, about 16 kilometers northwest of Panaji, Goa's capital.

"A massive fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in 25 deaths – four of whom were confirmed to be tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven others remain unverified. Six people were injured and are currently receiving treatment," Goa Police said in a statement to local media. "Cause of fire is yet to be ascertained. Police and fire department investigation is in progress. Legal action is being taken."

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims' families in social media posts.

Modi has also announced an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the tragic fire mishap.

"An ex-gratia of INR 200,000 ($2,223.57) from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured will be given INR 50,000 ($556)," the Indian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar said that immediately after the distress call reached the police control room, police teams, the fire brigade and ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

Witnesses told the media the blast was reportedly so powerful that the flames engulfed the entire building within seconds and trapped the people inside.

Preliminary investigations carried out by the police suggest that the fire was allegedly triggered by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder explosion near the kitchen area.

Officials said the rescue operations continued through the night, and focus has now been shifted to identifying the bodies and informing their families.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the incident as painful. He has ordered an inquiry into the deadly fire. "Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law. Any negligence will be dealt with firmly," Sawant said in a statement.

A local lawmaker, Michael Lobo, told reporters that most of the victims died from suffocation after running toward the basement.

(With input from Xinhua)