A devastating fire ripped through a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, late Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people. The blaze, reportedly triggered by a cylinder blast, engulfed the popular party venue, Birch by Romeo Lane, located approximately 25 km from Panaji, the state capital.
Most of the victims were employees of the nightclub, including kitchen staff and three women. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that "three to four tourists" were also among the deceased. According to Sawant, three individuals died from burn injuries, while the remaining victims succumbed to suffocation.
Goa police chief Alok Kumar told reporters that the fire was a result of a cylinder blast. The police control room received the alert at approximately 12:04 AM, prompting immediate response from police, fire brigade, and ambulance services. Firefighters and police teams worked through the night to recover the bodies, which have been transported to the government medical college at Bambolim.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who rushed to the scene, expressed his condolences and ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. "Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa," Sawant stated, adding that the inquiry would investigate the cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. He vowed to take strict action against those found responsible for any negligence. "Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said that a fire safety audit of all clubs would be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Calangute panchayat is expected to issue notices to all nightclubs on Monday, demanding proof of fire safety permissions, with licenses of non-compliant establishments facing cancellation.
The incident occurred during the peak tourist season in Goa, a coastal state known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches. Goa, a former Portuguese colony, attracts millions of tourists annually.
Videos circulating online depict the extent of the blaze and the aftermath, revealing the charred remains of the nightclub.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing concerns regarding fire safety standards in India, where such incidents are frequent due to poor building practices, overcrowding, and inadequate adherence to safety regulations. In May of 2025, a fire in Hyderabad claimed at least 17 lives, and a similar incident in Kolkata in April of the same year resulted in 15 fatalities.
