PROVIDENCE — A man was fatally stabbed while waiting to enter La Rumba nightclub on Broad Street around 11 last night, the police reported.

“There was a line outside and the victim was on line, waiting to get in when the altercation occurred,” said Maj. Stephen Campbell, who confirmed the death. “We’re working on a motive.”

The police did not reveal the identity of the victim.

There had been no police detail working at the club, Campbell said.

The victim, identified in early reports as a male in his early 20s, was pronounced dead last night at Rhode Island Hospital, the police said. Early reports indicated he had suffered two stab wounds to the chest.

The nightclub was hosting a Fourth of July party for more than 100 partygoers. The party inside the squat orange and blue building had been scheduled to end at 1 a.m.

Inside the club, the music continued a half hour after the stabbing, when the police ordered patrons out through a rear door.

Police Chief Dean Esserman arrived around midnight. He declined comment.

bgedan@projo.com