A devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora village claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members, early Sunday morning. The blaze erupted around 1 am at the popular party destination located about 25 km from Panaji, officials confirmed.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site shortly after the incident and announced that a case has been registered against the nightclub’s owner and general manager. Both will be arrested, he told PTI, adding that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, saying, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he posted on X.
According to initial investigations, the fire originated on the dance floor, prompting several people to rush toward the downstairs kitchen area in an attempt to escape. Officials said six others were injured, and the identities of seven victims are still being established.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over Goa’s nightlife, raising serious questions about fire safety and emergency preparedness at entertainment venues.