Arpora, Goa: A catastrophic fire broke out late Thursday night at the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, killing at least 25 people and injuring six others. The fire, which started around 1 am, quickly engulfed the building, leaving many trapped inside.
Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant confirmed the casualty figures and said the injured are in stable condition and receiving advanced medical care.
In a statement posted on X, he wrote:
“I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility.”
Rescue Operations Faced Delays
Emergency responders reported that rescue and firefighting efforts were hampered due to narrow roads leading to the club. Fire tenders struggled to access the building swiftly, resulting in further delays during the crucial early minutes of the blaze.
Authorities have arrested the club manager, while a search is underway for the owner, who has gone missing since the incident. Officials have assured strict action and stated that accountability will be determined once the investigation is complete.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
Initial suspicions suggested a cylinder explosion triggered the fire, but the Goa Director General of Police confirmed that all cylinders were intact when examined. Officials said the fire spread rapidly, creating intense smoke conditions and giving many inside very little time to escape.
Most of the fatalities reportedly occurred due to suffocation rather than burns. Authorities have so far identified four tourists and 14 staff members among the deceased. The identity of seven remaining victims is still being verified.
Compliance Violations Suspected
Early reports indicate that the nightclub may not have adhered to mandated fire safety rules. Investigators are reviewing whether emergency exits were accessible and if safety equipment such as alarms, extinguishers, and ventilation systems were functional.
The building has now been sealed, and officials are collecting evidence and recording statements from staff and witnesses.
Firefighting and Aftermath
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and crews battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations, and officials are working to notify families.
Local MLA Michael Lobo said many victims were workers employed in the basement section of the venue. He added that several people attempted to run toward the basement during the chaos, where smoke accumulation proved fatal.
Condolences and Financial Assistance
National leaders expressed deep condolences following the incident.
President Droupadi Murmu said she was “deeply pained” and extended her sympathies to the families affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “deeply saddening.” The Prime Minister’s Office announced financial relief from the PMNRF: ₹2 lakh each for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the loss of lives “heartbreaking” and assured that authorities were working around the clock to support survivors and families.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, demanded a transparent and fair investigation into what they described as a serious failure of safety enforcement.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Piyush Goyal also expressed sorrow and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Probe Underway
The inquiry will examine whether the venue had valid fire safety clearances, the condition of its electrical systems, and whether emergency protocols were followed.
Authorities have assured that the findings will be made public once completed and that those responsible will face legal consequences.
As investigations continue and families mourn, the tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety compliance in Goa’s bustling nightlife sector.
