A massive fire at the Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa left 25 people dead and over 50 injured, marking one of the state’s worst fire-related tragedies in recent years. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, shocking residents and tourists across North Goa’s nightlife hub.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Initial investigations suggest the fire was triggered by a cylinder explosion, which caused flames to spread rapidly through the enclosed club.
Authorities revealed:
- 3 victims died of burn injuries, and
- 22 others died due to suffocation, as thick smoke engulfed the building.
Many staff members working inside were trapped, especially those in the basement area. Eyewitnesses said over 100 people were on the dance floor when the explosion occurred, leading to a chaotic scramble toward the exits.
Victims and Injuries
Among the deceased were:
- 4 tourists,
- 14 staff members, and
- Others whose identities are still being confirmed.
Post-mortems confirmed that several victims suffered from “hypoxic hypoxia”, indicating a fatal lack of oxygen. Bodies have been handed over to families after identification.
Action Taken: Arrests, Sealing of Linked Clubs
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the nightclub’s chief general manager and three staff members were arrested.
Police have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Authorities also sealed Romeo Lane in Vagator, a shack operated by the same promoters, after inspectors found serious fire safety violations. This follows the government’s crackdown on establishments operating without valid permissions.
Govt Response: Committees, Audits & Compensation
CM Sawant announced multiple immediate steps:
- A high-level inquiry committee, report due in one week
- A statewide audit of clubs, restaurants, and commercial venues with large footfall
- An SOP for fire safety compliance for nightlife establishments
- ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased
- ₹50,000 for the injured
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and announced an additional ₹2 lakh compensation to next of kin of victims and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF.
National Reaction
- Rahul Gandhi called the tragedy a “criminal failure of governance.”
- Arvind Kejriwal expressed condolences and urged accountability.
- Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a comprehensive probe.
Local officials confirmed that the nightclub did not have valid permissions, raising concerns about enforcement failures in Goa’s booming nightlife sector.
Ongoing Investigation
Forensic teams have examined the site and collected evidence, which will help determine the exact cause of the fire. Survivors say emergency rescue was delayed, contributing to the high casualty count.
Authorities continue to monitor the condition of injured persons admitted to Goa Medical College and other hospitals.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
