Arpora, Goa – A horrific fire ripped through a popular nightclub in Goa early Sunday morning, leaving 23 people dead and over 50 injured, in what state officials are calling a devastating failure of safety regulations.
The blaze broke out at Birch By Romeo Lane in Arpora shortly after midnight. Initial investigations point to a cylinder blast as the probable trigger for the inferno, which quickly spread, trapping dozens inside the premises.
Of the 23 casualties confirmed by authorities, three succumbed to severe burn injuries, while the overwhelming majority—20 victims—died from suffocation as thick smoke rapidly filled the enclosed structure, particularly the basement area where most staff members were working. The deceased include 20 men and three women, with officials confirming that most victims were local staff, alongside a few tourists.
Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and ambulances, rushed to the scene following calls received at 12:04 am and worked through the night to recover bodies and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early Sunday and expressed profound grief, calling the incident an “extremely distressing tragedy” for the tourism state.
”Primary information indicates that the nightclub had not followed fire safety norms,” CM Sawant stated. “The government will conduct a detailed inquiry into this incident. Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” he vowed, indicating that action will be taken against the club’s management and any officials who permitted operations without mandated fire safeguards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences, calling the event “deeply saddening.” The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the family of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The tragedy has prompted immediate calls for a comprehensive safety audit of all nightlife establishments in the state, with local MLA Michael Lobo stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of both tourists and local workers across Goa’s party belt. Residents near the venue reported hearing a loud explosion followed by scenes of chaos as the structure burned. Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar confirmed that the blaze has been brought under control and an investigation is underway to determine responsibility.
