A massive fire at the upscale nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, killed 25 people in the early hours of Sunday. Officials said the blaze was likely triggered by an LPG cylinder explosion and spread rapidly due to highly combustible materials used in the structure.
Authorities confirmed that three people died from severe burn injuries, while the remaining victims succumbed to heavy smoke inhalation. The deceased included four tourists, 14 employees and seven individuals whose identities were being verified. Six others sustained injuries and received treatment at nearby hospitals.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site and expressed deep grief over the tragedy. He announced a full-scale inquiry to determine the cause of the fire, assess compliance with safety norms and examine whether the building met regulatory standards. He warned that those responsible would face stringent action.
Preliminary findings indicated that the fire started on the ground floor, blocked escape routes and trapped several workers in the basement, including three women. Investigators also found that the nightclub operated without several mandatory permissions. The structure, built on a former saltpan, had received demolition notices from the local panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, but the order was stayed by the Directorate of Panchayats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X, while Calangute MLA Michael Lobo called for a safety audit of all clubs and restaurants in the region. Police said the identification process was under way and legal proceedings had been initiated against the establishment.
