Panaji, Goa: A devastating fire at a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, has claimed the lives of at least 23 people. The blaze, which erupted late Saturday night at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular venue, is suspected to have been triggered by a cylinder blast. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and promised strict action against those found responsible for any negligence.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight in the Arpora village, approximately 25 km from Panaji, the state capital. Emergency services, including firefighters and police teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations continued throughout the night. According to Chief Minister Sawant, most of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women. Tragically, "three to four" tourists were also among the deceased.
Initial reports indicate that three people died from burn injuries, while the remaining victims succumbed to suffocation. The bodies have been recovered and transported to the Government Medical College at Bambolim.
Chief Minister Sawant, who visited the site, expressed his condolences and vowed to take stringent action. "Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa," Sawant stated on social media. "I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry into this incident. Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law – any negligence will be dealt with firmly". He also told reporters that the nightclub appeared to have violated fire safety norms. "We will take action against both the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms," the Chief Minister affirmed.
Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar confirmed that the fire was a result of a cylinder explosion. Michael Lobo, a local BJP MLA, stated that a fire safety audit would be conducted at similar venues to prevent future incidents.
This tragic incident occurred during Goa's peak tourist season. Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea, attracts millions of tourists annually with its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.
Fires are unfortunately common in India, often attributed to inadequate building practices, overcrowding, and a failure to adhere to safety regulations. In May 2025, a fire in Hyderabad claimed at least 17 lives, and a similar incident in Kolkata the previous month resulted in at least 15 fatalities. In 2024, a fire at an amusement park arcade in Gujarat led to at least 24 deaths due to a lack of safety standards.
