Goa Nightclub Fire Leaves 25 Dead, Dozens Injured

07/12/2025

PANJIM, Dec 7: A tragic fire broke out at the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, late last night, claiming the lives of 25 people. Officials have reported that around 50 others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Goa Medical College.

Authorities confirmed that most of the fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation. Among the victims, the identities of four tourists and 14 staff members have been confirmed, while the remaining seven are yet to be identified to ascertain whether they were employees or visitors.

The fire reportedly started at around 1 a.m., and initial investigations by police considered the possibility of a cylinder blast near the kitchen. However, the Goa Director General of Police (DGP) later confirmed that the cylinders were intact, ruling out an explosion. Witnesses described the blaze as spreading so rapidly that it engulfed the entire building within seconds, leaving little opportunity for escape.

The victims’ bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations, and authorities are still compiling detailed reports on the injured. Rescue operations continued throughout the night, with efforts focused on identifying the victims and notifying their families.

The DGP stated that the investigation will also review the club’s safety measures, gas connection systems, and emergency exit plans to determine whether there were any violations of fire safety regulations. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and after nearly two hours of intensive firefighting, the blaze was brought under control.

The nightclub has been sealed, and questioning of the owners and management is underway. Initial findings suggest that the club did not fully comply with fire safety norms