25 Dead in Devastating Nightclub Fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa: Investigation Reveals Safety Violations

Officials reported that the blast was so intense that flames consumed the entire building within seconds, leaving little chance for escape.

A catastrophic fire erupted at the popular Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa late last night, claiming 25 lives in its destructive path.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that six people were injured in the Arpora fire incident. He reassured the public that these injured individuals are currently stable and receiving top-quality medical attention.

"I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry…" the Chief Minister stated on social media.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Chief Minister Sawant revealed that rescue operations were significantly hindered by narrow, congested lanes around the nightclub. He confirmed the club manager's arrest and noted that an arrest warrant had been issued for the owner. The Chief Minister promised stern action, asserting that "no guilty person will be spared" as investigations continue.

Officials verified that most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation. Authorities have identified four tourists and 14 staff members among the deceased, with seven victims still awaiting identification to determine whether they were patrons or employees.

Initial investigation indicates the fire originated on the first floor while approximately 100 people were on the dance floor. According to eyewitnesses, panicked attendees rushed downstairs, with many—including women and staff—becoming trapped in the kitchen area. Rescue teams reported that the venue's layout and ensuing chaos made evacuation extremely challenging.

The incident occurred around 1 am. While police initially suspected a cylinder explosion near the kitchen triggered the fire, this theory has been dismissed. The Goa Director General of Police confirmed that cylinders remained intact during inspection.

Officials noted the explosion was reportedly so powerful that flames engulfed the entire building within seconds, leaving minimal time for occupants to escape.

Victims' bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while official information regarding the number and condition of injured individuals remains pending.

Rescue operations continued throughout the night as authorities worked to identify victims and notify families.

The Director General of Police stated that the investigation will examine the club's safety protocols, gas connection systems, and emergency exit plans to identify potential violations.

Multiple fire engines responded to the scene, and after approximately two hours of intensive efforts, firefighters finally brought the blaze under control.

The nightclub has been sealed, and authorities are questioning the owners and management. Preliminary information suggests the establishment had not complied with fire safety regulations.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant described the day as "very painful" following the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora.

"Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss. I visited the incident site and have…" he shared on social media.

The Chief Minister confirmed ordering a comprehensive investigation to determine the fire's exact cause, thoroughly examining compliance with fire safety standards and building regulations.

Following the Goa club tragedy, BJP MLA Michael Lobo emphasized that while some victims were tourists, the majority were local workers employed in the restaurant's basement.

Lobo told reporters that most victims died from suffocation after fleeing toward the basement area.

President Draupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, stating she was "Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives."

"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," the President added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his profound sorrow following the Arpora fire tragedy and extended condolences to affected families.

Describing the incident as "deeply saddening," the Prime Minister stated, "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. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the devastating fire, stating that the "tragic loss of lives" was "deeply painful."

Shah confirmed that local administration is actively conducting rescue and relief operations and providing necessary assistance to those affected by the tragedy.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, condemned the incident as a "criminal failure of safety and governance" and called for a transparent investigation.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation and full accountability following the fire tragedy.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed his sorrow and offered prayers to grieving families who lost loved ones. He extended wishes for the swift recovery of all injured individuals.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the Goa fire tragedy.

Prime Minister Modi announced ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for victims of the Arpora fire.

The Prime Minister's Office stated that next of kin of each deceased victim will receive Rs. 2 lakh, while injured individuals will be provided Rs. 50,000 as relief assistance.