Fatal Goa Nightclub Fire: How Flammable Decor and Safety Violations Led to 25 Deaths at 'Birch By Romeo Lane'

The nightclub's decor, comprised of highly flammable materials, contributed to the rapid spread of fire throughout the venue.

Panaji:

The 'Birch By Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, northern Goa, was essentially constructed as a fire hazard waiting to ignite. Its interior featured highly combustible decorative elements including straw and palm leaves, while offering only a single, confined entrance and exit point. The establishment had clearly disregarded fire safety regulations. The situation turned catastrophic when electronic fireworks were deployed during a heavily promoted 'Bollywood Banger Night' event, resulting in a devastating blaze that claimed 25 lives and sent shockwaves through this coastal destination just before peak tourist season.

In the aftermath of Saturday night's tragedy, relatives of the 25 victims - including 20 staff members and five tourists - are struggling to cope with their loss. Authorities have filed charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence against the club's owners, who have fled. A Goa police team has been dispatched to Delhi in pursuit of them. Four staff members have been taken into custody, and several panchayat officials have faced disciplinary action.

A Disaster-In-Waiting

On Instagram, 'Birch By Romeo Lane' marketed itself as the "First Island Club." Images reveal extensive use of rattan and bamboo decorations, particularly in the ceiling construction. Video footage documents how rapidly flames engulfed the ceiling, demonstrating how the flammable materials transformed the venue into an inevitable disaster. Furthermore, access to this 'island club' was via a narrow pathway that served as both entrance and exit, featuring canopy-like arches also constructed from combustible materials.

The club lacked a sufficiently wide entrance that would allow fire engines direct access. Emergency responders reported having to park their vehicles approximately 400 meters from the club, which significantly complicated rescue operations and likely increased the death toll. Investigators discovered that the establishment was operating without fire safety clearance. Most alarmingly, no working fire extinguishers or safety alarm systems were found in a venue that regularly hosted over 100 patrons during popular events.

Musical Night, Then Inferno

The 'Bollywood Banger Night' at 'Birch By Romeo Lane' on Saturday featured performances by a DJ, dancers, and musicians. Widely circulated videos show a dancer performing to "Mehbooba Mehbooba" while the audience cheers enthusiastically. Electric firecrackers are set off, drawing louder applause. Shortly thereafter, flames appear across the ceiling.

READ: Video: Goa Club Grooves To 'Mehbooba Mehbooba', Flames Appear In Background

Two individuals, presumably staff members, rush toward the console to retrieve a laptop from beneath the spreading flames. Initially, patrons show little concern, with someone even commenting "aag laga di aapne" (you started a fire) as a compliment to the performer. Notably, no emergency announcements were made instructing people to evacuate calmly.

As flames spread rapidly, the musicians abandoned their instruments and moved toward safety, followed by the dancer, staff members, and audience.

A Basement Death Trap

According to preliminary findings, the sudden blaze created panic, sending the crowd rushing toward the narrow exit. In the confusion, several tourists mistakenly fled toward the basement kitchen where approximately 20 staff members were working. By the time they realized their error and attempted to turn back, flames had engulfed the entire floor, blocking their escape route.

READ: Huge Flames, Heavy Smoke: New Video Shows Goa Club Engulfed In Fire

Meanwhile, toxic smoke filled the basement kitchen, creating a lethal environment. Reports indicate that most victims died not from burns but from asphyxiation after inhaling the poisonous smoke. The narrow access road presented a significant obstacle for firefighters, and by the time they reached the basement, it was already too late to save those trapped inside.