Goa Inferno: 'Island' Club with Narrow Path Leading to it Made Firefighting a Challenge
Arpora, Goa – A devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, claimed the lives of 25 people, including both staff and tourists, in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. The location of the club, situated on an island in the Arpora River backwaters with a single, narrow access point, severely hampered firefighting efforts, contributing to the tragedy.
The fire reportedly broke out around 11:45 PM local time on Saturday during a "Bollywood Banger Night" event, where approximately 100 people were present on the dance floor. While the initial cause was suggested to be a gas cylinder explosion, eyewitness accounts indicate that firecrackers used during a performance may have ignited the blaze. Flames rapidly spread through the club, which had temporary structures made of palm leaves, exacerbating the situation.
As panic erupted, some patrons attempted to flee the club, while others, in a desperate attempt to escape, ran towards the kitchen area on the ground floor. This decision proved fatal for many, as they became trapped in the kitchen with the staff due to the rapidly spreading smoke and fire. Thick smoke quickly filled the enclosed spaces, leading to most fatalities being attributed to suffocation rather than burns. Only three of the deceased succumbed to burn injuries. Approximately 50 individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Goa Medical College hospital.
The geographical challenges of the club's location significantly hindered rescue operations. The narrow lane leading to the "island" venue forced fire engines to park approximately 400 meters away from the site. Firefighters had to manually carry hoses to reach the burning structure, resulting in critical time loss. A senior officer from the Fire and Emergency Services stated that the difficult access made controlling the blaze a daunting task.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities have launched investigations into the incident. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible. Sawant also stated that the club violated fire safety regulations and operated "illegally". An FIR has been filed against the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and four members of the management team have been arrested. Other clubs owned by Romeo Lane were also shut down due to fire safety violations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured assistance to the victims' families. The government will provide financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees to the relatives of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about building practices, enforcement of safety regulations, and overcrowding in India. The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub had previously received demolition notices from the local authorities, which were later stayed following an appeal. This highlights the potential for regulatory oversights and the need for stricter adherence to safety standards to prevent future disasters.
