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A fire broke out at a nightclub in North Goa late Saturday night, resulting in at least 25 confirmed deaths. Police said the fire started after a cylinder exploded. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said most of the deceased were kitchen workers at the club, including three women. He added that “three to four tourists” were also among the dead.
Sawant, who visited the scene, told reporters that three of the 23 initial victims died from burns and the rest from suffocation. However, the death toll later rose to 25. Goa Police stated, “A massive fire broke out at Birch near Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in 25 deaths, including 4 tourists and 14 club staff members. Seven people are injured and receiving treatment. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Police and the fire department are investigating. Legal action is being taken. Most of the deaths were due to suffocation from smoke.”
Fire Safety Norms Not Followed at the Club
The Chief Minister said that according to initial information, the nightclub had not followed fire safety regulations. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane after midnight. The popular party venue, located in Arpora village, about 25 km from Goa’s capital Panaji, had opened last year. Sawant said, “We will take action against the club management and the officials who allowed it to operate despite violating safety norms.” Sawant added, “This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season in the coastal state.” The Chief Minister said, “We will conduct a detailed inquiry into this incident, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.” Goa Police chief Alok Kumar said the fire was caused by a cylinder explosion.
President Murmu and PM Modi Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “The fire incident in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover as soon as possible.” I spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant about the situation. The state government is providing all possible assistance to the affected people.” The President expressed her grief over the incident, writing, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district, which claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength in this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” Meanwhile, PM Modi has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 each to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Several Club Licenses to be Cancelled
Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said, “All 23 bodies have been recovered from the premises and sent to the government medical college in Bambolim.” Lobo told reporters that fire brigade and police teams reached the spot immediately and were engaged in rescue operations throughout the night. Lobo said that authorities will conduct a fire safety audit of all clubs to prevent such incidents from happening again. The MLA said that the Calangute Panchayat will issue notices to all nightclubs on Monday, asking them to provide fire safety permissions. He said that the licenses of clubs that do not have the necessary permissions will be cancelled.
A massive fire that broke out late at night at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in the Arpora area of North Goa district, has claimed the lives of 25 people. According to officials, approximately 50 people were injured and have been admitted to Goa Medical College for treatment.
Initial reports indicate that among the deceased were 4 tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of 7 others are yet to be confirmed, highlighting the severity of the incident and the number of employees trapped inside.
Although the cause of the fire was initially suspected to be a gas cylinder blast, local residents in the vicinity say they did not hear any loud explosion.
Agencies investigating other possibilities
Following the residents’ statements, investigating agencies are now exploring other potential causes, including the possibility of the fire being triggered by fireworks or chemicals used for celebrations.
Some officials also stated that the fire’s spread appeared consistent with an LPG cylinder explosion, and therefore all aspects are being investigated. The Goa government and the Chief Minister have ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Violations of safety standards, storage of hazardous materials, and security arrangements at the nightclub will also be thoroughly investigated.
Relief and rescue operation continued throughout the night
The relief and rescue operation continued throughout the night. Officials are in the process of identifying the deceased and informing their families. This tragic incident, occurring during the peak tourist season, has raised serious questions about fire safety compliance in Goa’s nightlife establishments.
Meanwhile, local MLA Lobo told reporters that fire brigade and police teams reached the spot immediately and were engaged in rescue operations throughout the night. He further added that authorities will conduct fire safety audits of all clubs to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
