A menacing fire that broke out in the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa, has left 25 people dead and around 50 others injured. The tragedy has sent tremors across its local residents, tourists and authorities alike, giving rise to a full-scale investigation into the possible lapses and violations at the venue.
According to preliminary reports, the fire was triggered by a suspected cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen area. The blaze that started on the ground floor soon spread uncontrollably, engulfing the premises within minutes.
Many victims, among which were staff members and some patrons, fled toward the basement or staircases, but were trapped as thick smoke filled the building. Most victims died from suffocation, while a few succumbed to severe burn injuries.
Emergency services received distress calls at around 12:04 AM, and fire tenders, ambulances and police rushed to the scene. Rescue operations continued through the night; all bodies were eventually recovered and the injured taken to hospitals.
Officials report that as many as 25 people died in the fire. The deceased included mostly club staff, kitchen and service workers, along with a few tourists present that night. Three of the deceased were women, and “three to four tourists” were among the victims, according to the state’s Chief Minister.
While initial reports mentioned 50 injured, by morning only six remained in serious condition after treatment.
The high death toll is largely attributed to poor evacuation routes and lack of ventilation: the basement had no proper exit or air circulation, which trapped many inside as smoke filled the area.
The tragedy has triggered much outrage and grief across Goa. The state’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early Sunday morning, described the incident as “tragic” for the state, and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire. In a tweet on platform X, he extended "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims and promised an investigation that "will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed."
Local authorities and opposition leaders have called for a thorough safety audit of all nightlife venues across Goa, a move seen as urgent given the damage such incidents can inflict on lives and the tourism-dependent reputation of the state.
National leaders also reacted: condolences poured in, and aid has been announced for the victims’ families and the injured.
The blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane has reopened scrutiny over fire safety standards at nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues, especially in tourist hotspots like Goa. Early findings suggest that the club flouted mandatory safety norms, lacked adequate ventilation and emergency exits, and did not ensure safe handling of potentially hazardous equipment like gas cylinders.
In the morning following the tragedy, the Chief Minister had already set up an “inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility.” As investigators continue their probe, this accident stands as a harsh reminder of how shortcuts in safety protocols can turn a night of fun into a nightmare with life-shattering consequences.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. Where did the Goa nightclub fire occur?
The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in the Arpora area of North Goa.
2. How many people died in the Arpora nightclub fire?
25 people were confirmed dead, including staff, women, and tourists. Many died due to suffocation after being trapped in the basement.
3. What caused the Goa nightclub fire?
Investigators have identified a suspected cylinder explosion in the kitchen area as the initial trigger for the blaze.
4. Why were so many victims trapped inside?
Most victims ran toward the basement, which lacked proper ventilation and emergency exits, leading to fatal smoke inhalation and suffocation.
5. Were safety rules violated by the nightclub?
Early findings point to major safety lapses, including non-compliance with fire norms, inadequate escape routes, and questionable handling of gas cylinders.
6. What action has the Goa government taken after the fire?
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry, promised strict action against those responsible, and called for audits of nightlife venues across Goa.