A catastrophic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa claimed 23 lives in the early hours of Sunday, with authorities suggesting that exploding LPG cylinders may have triggered the blaze.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight, rapidly engulfing the coastal establishment, built with highly flammable materials.
Goa Police confirmed that the victims included four tourists and 14 staff members, and authorities are still establishing the identities of seven others.
Officials noted that three people died from burn injuries, whereas the remaining victims succumbed to heavy smoke inhalation. Six injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.
According to police, the majority of those who died had been working in the basement, leaving them with limited time or space to escape the spreading smoke and flames.
Among the deceased were three women. Preliminary assessments by fire personnel indicate the fire likely began on the ground floor, cutting off escape routes for those below.
In an official statement, Goa Police confirmed that a detailed probe is underway, with both fire and police teams examining structural safety, emergency exits and possible lapses in routine checks.
Government Vows Strict Action Over Safety Failures
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the tragedy as ‘a painful day for all of us in Goa’, extending condolences to the families of the victims.
During a late-night visit to the site, he assured that those found responsible would face ‘the most stringent action under the law’.
Sawant ordered a formal inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and to assess whether the nightclub followed building regulations and fire safety norms.
“Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law- any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” he said on X.
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…
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 6, 2025
Local MLA Michael Lobo raised concerns about safety standards in Goa’s hospitality sector, calling for an immediate audit of all clubs and air-conditioned establishments, including staff working areas.
The local panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority had previously issued demolition notices to the nightclub built on an old saltpan, authorities revealed.
However, an appeal before the Directorate of Panchayats resulted in a stay order, allowing the venue to continue operations. The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing, police said.
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