A devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, has claimed the lives of at least 23 people. The tragedy occurred late Saturday night, December 6, 2025, plunging the popular tourist destination into mourning.

Initial reports suggest that a cylinder blast may have triggered the blaze. The Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, confirmed that all of the deceased were staff members of the club. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that three to four tourists were among the dead. Other reports indicate that several tourists were among those killed in the fire. It remains unclear if anyone was injured in the incident.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after midnight, and fire crews, police, and ambulances rushed to the scene. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control, and all bodies have been recovered.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed his profound grief and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He described the incident as a "very painful day for all of us in Goa" and a "serious setback" for the tourism-dependent state. Sawant has also personally visited the site of the tragedy.

The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess whether there was any negligence or violation of fire safety regulations. Sawant has vowed the "most stringent action" against anyone found responsible, emphasizing that any negligence will be dealt with firmly under the law. The inquiry will examine the legality of the operations of the restaurant-cum-club.

Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its beaches, nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere. The coastal town of Arpora, in particular, is a hub for nightlife and hosts a popular Saturday night market. The fire at the nightclub occurred during peak tourist season.