Deadly Blaze at Goa Nightclub Kills 23, Safety Lapses Under Probe

Arpora, Goa Dec 2025 : A devastating fire swept through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in the Baga area of Arpora, North Goa, just after midnight on Saturday, claiming 23 lives in one of the deadliest nightlife tragedies the state has witnessed in recent years. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, rapidly engulfed the kitchen located on the ground floor, leaving staff members with little chance to escape.

According to initial reports, the fire erupted at around 12:04 a.m., prompting an immediate alert to the police control room. Local police teams, fire brigade units, and ambulances rushed to the spot as thick smoke and flames spread across the multi-level structure. Several fire tenders were deployed to battle the inferno, which continued to rage for several hours before being brought under control by early Sunday morning.

Rescue personnel worked tirelessly throughout the night under extremely hazardous conditions, evacuating people trapped inside the smoke-filled premises. Firefighters used breathing equipment while navigating through the charred interior in search of survivors and victims. Despite their efforts, the tragedy unfolded at an alarming pace.

Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar, who personally supervised the rescue operation, confirmed that 23 bodies had been recovered, most of them found near the kitchen area, indicating that the majority of the victims were likely staff members working during the late-night hours. At least two more bodies were discovered on the stairway, suggesting that some victims may have attempted to escape as the fire spread rapidly.

“This is a tragic incident at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora. The fire broke out shortly after midnight. Police, fire brigade, and ambulance services responded immediately. The blaze has now been brought under full control, and all bodies have been recovered. The death toll currently stands at 23. A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause,” DGP Alok Kumar said.

The cause of the fire is still under thorough investigation, with authorities not ruling out any angle, including electrical short circuits, violations of safety norms, or improper handling of inflammable materials. Forensic teams are expected to examine the site in detail over the coming days.

The horrifying incident has sent shockwaves across Goa, a state known nationally and internationally for its vibrant nightlife and tourism industry. Tourists staying nearby and local residents gathered in large numbers outside the destroyed building as emergency operations continued. Many eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of smoke and panic-stricken screams.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site on Sunday to personally assess the situation. Expressing deep grief, he said the tragedy had left the entire state in mourning. In a social media post, he wrote, “Today is a very sad day for Goa. Twenty-three precious lives have been lost in a major fire incident in Arpora. I am deeply saddened and offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I have ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and to examine whether all fire safety and building regulations were followed.”

The Chief Minister further assured that strictest action under the law would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence or safety violations. He also announced that the government would carry out a statewide review of fire safety compliance in all nightlife venues, restaurants, and entertainment hubs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The club’s management has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and stated that they would fully cooperate with the investigation. Meanwhile, families of the deceased have begun arriving at nearby hospitals and police stations, creating scenes of grief and devastation.

As Goa grapples with this heartbreaking loss, serious questions are being raised about fire safety preparedness, emergency exits, and regulatory oversight in high-capacity nightlife establishments across the state.

Team Maverick