Panaji/Arpora – A big tragedy hit Goa late Saturday night when a huge fire broke out at a popular nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa. At least 25 people lost their lives, and six others got hurt. Most of the dead were staff members who got trapped inside. Police say a gas cylinder blast started the fire, and the club did not follow safety rules.
The nightclub is called Birch by Romeo Lane. It opened just last year and is very famous among tourists. It is about 25 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. The fire started around midnight when the place was full of people enjoying the weekend.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant went to the spot early morning. He said most victims died because of suffocation from thick smoke. Only a few had burn injuries. “Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa,” he told reporters.
What Caused the Fire?
Police say a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen area. The club had temporary structures covered with palm leaves, which caught fire very fast. There was only one narrow entrance and exit. This made it hard for people to run out and for fire trucks to reach close. Fire engines had to park 400 metres away because of small lanes.
An eyewitness named Fatima Shaikh, who was visiting from another state, said: “The place was jam-packed. Suddenly there was commotion and flames came up. We ran out, but many went down to the kitchen and got trapped with the staff.”
Most of the dead were kitchen workers and helpers in the basement or ground floor. Out of 25 dead, 14 were staff, four were tourists, and seven are still not identified. Many staff come from other states like Jharkhand and Nepal to work in Goa’s clubs.
Was the Club Running Illegally?
Yes, many questions are coming up about the club’s permissions. The local village panchayat had given demolition notices because the building was made without proper approval. But a higher office stayed the order after the owners appealed.
CM Sawant said the club did not follow fire safety norms. “We will take strict action against the owners and also against officers who allowed it to run,” he promised. Police have filed an FIR against the owner and manager. The manager is arrested, and warrant is out for the owner.
Local MLA Michael Lobo said all clubs in Goa need a safety check now. “Tourists think Goa is safe. We cannot let this happen again,” he added.
Help from Government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the family of each dead person and Rs 50,000 for the injured from his relief fund. He said on X: “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 soon.”
Goa government will give Rs 5 lakh to each victim’s family and Rs 50,000 to injured. Six hurt people are in hospital and stable.
Home Minister Amit Shah said: “The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. My sincerest condolences to the families.”
President Droupadi Murmu and many other leaders also sent condolences.
Families Waiting for News
Many worried families gathered outside the hospital mortuary. Some workers from Jharkhand said four boys from their village were missing. They want the club owner to send the bodies home.
One relative said: “Their phones are off since last night. We came here early morning but no clear news yet.”
Emergency helpline numbers are given by North Goa collector’s office for help.
Why This is a Big Shock for Goa
Goa is famous for beaches, parties and tourists. Millions come every year, especially in December for holidays. This fire happened in peak season. It has hurt Goa’s image as a safe place.
CM Sawant ordered a full inquiry. A magistrate will look into everything – from building rules to fire safety. Police are checking if there was overcrowding or other mistakes.
Many people say clubs must have more exits, proper fire equipment and regular checks. Narrow roads in villages also made rescue slow.
What Eyewitnesses Said
Another person who escaped said: “We saw huge flames suddenly. Smoke was everywhere. People were shouting and running. Some jumped from windows.”
A security guard told news channels: “I was at the gate. Suddenly fire came from inside. I helped many out but staff downstairs could not come up fast.”
The club had a Bollywood night event that day with a DJ. It was full of young people dancing.
Past Fires in India
Such sad incidents happen sometimes because of poor safety. In recent years, fires in hospitals, hotels and buildings have taken many lives. Rules are there but not always followed.
Goa government says they will make strict rules for all clubs now. Safety audits will start soon.
This tragedy has left everyone sad. Families have lost breadwinners. Tourists are shocked. Goa is praying for the souls and hoping injured get well soon.
Police say investigation is on. More details will come in coming days. If anyone broke rules badly, they will go to jail.
FAQs About Goa Nightclub Fire in Arpora
Q: How many people died in the Goa nightclub fire?
A: 25 people died. This includes 14 staff members, 4 tourists, and 7 whose names are not known yet. Six others are injured and in hospital.
Q: What is the name of the nightclub?
A: It is Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora village, North Goa. It opened in 2024 and is near Baga beach area.
Q: What started the fire?
A: Police say a gas cylinder blast in the kitchen started it. Palm leaf roof and temporary structures helped fire spread fast.
Q: Why so many staff died?
A: Most staff were in kitchen or basement. Smoke filled fast, and narrow stairs made escape hard. Many died from suffocation.
Q: Was the club legal?
A: No full permissions. Panchayat gave demolition notice, but it was stayed. No proper fire safety. CM says it was running illegally.
Q: What help for families?
A: PM gave Rs 2 lakh per dead and Rs 50,000 per injured. Goa government Rs 5 lakh per family and Rs 50,000 injured.
Q: Who said what?
A: PM Modi: “Deeply saddening, thoughts with families.” CM Sawant: “Painful day, strict action.” Amit Shah: “Deeply painful, condolences.”
Q: What next?
A: Magisterial inquiry, police case against owners. Safety checks for all clubs. More arrests possible.
Q: How to contact for help?
A: North Goa collector gave emergency numbers. Families can call for news about missing people.