Goa, India – A devastating fire ripped through a nightclub in the Arpora village of North Goa, India, killing at least 25 people, including tourists. The blaze broke out at approximately midnight on Sunday at the Birch by Romeo Lane club, a popular nightspot located near Baga beach, one of Goa's most frequented coastal areas.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but initial reports suggest a gas cylinder explosion near the kitchen area may have triggered the inferno. According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), local police confirmed the explosion. Witnesses reported hearing a powerful blast, after which flames rapidly engulfed the building, trapping many inside.
Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and ambulances, rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call at approximately 12:04 AM. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, and all bodies have been recovered.
Goa Police confirmed that of the 25 fatalities, four were tourists, and 14 were staff members of the nightclub. The identities of the remaining seven victims are still being ascertained. Six individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his condolences, calling it a "very painful day" for the state. He stated that the government would conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and investigate potential violations of fire safety norms and building regulations. Sawant assured that anyone found responsible for negligence would face severe legal consequences. He also noted that "three to four" tourists had died in the incident and that three of the victims died from burn injuries, while the others died from suffocation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief over the incident, calling it "deeply saddening". He announced an ex-gratia payment of INR 200,000 (approximately $2,223.57) from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased victim and INR 50,000 (approximately $556) to those injured.
Images and videos circulating on social media depicted a massive fire sweeping through the nightclub, with thick smoke billowing from the structure. Rescue personnel were shown carrying injured individuals on stretchers. Nitin V. Raiker, Goa's fire chief, told CNN News18 that most victims died due to suffocation in the basement and kitchen area. He added that a "fire show" was organized at the club, and the wooden parts of the club caught fire, causing smoke to spread.
Local officials had previously issued a demolition notice for the club due to the lack of a construction permit, but the order was reportedly rolled back by higher authorities. Goa MLA Michael Lobo has called for a safety audit of all clubs in Goa following the incident.
Fires are unfortunately common in India, often attributed to poor building practices, overcrowding, and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.
