Deadly Fire at Goa Nightclub Claims 25 Lives

At least 25 people, including tourists and staff, died in a devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa, police said Sunday, as state and national authorities scrambled to respond. The blaze erupted shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, located in Arpora village near Baga Beach, one of Goa’s busiest tourist areas.

Police and fire officials said the fire followed a suspected cylinder explosion. Goa’s Director General of Police reported that emergency services were quickly dispatched, and the blaze was brought under control after hours of firefighting. All bodies have now been recovered.

Victims Include Tourists and Club Staff

Authorities confirmed that 14 staff members were among those killed, alongside four tourists. Seven victims’ identities are yet to be verified. Six other individuals sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Police registered a first information report for culpable homicide as investigations continue into the fire’s origin.

Videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing almost the entire nightclub, spreading rapidly and leaving little time for occupants to escape. Preliminary reports suggest that the club may not have fully complied with fire safety regulations, raising concerns about oversight and enforcement.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site late Saturday night, said that most of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women, and noted that several tourists were also among the dead. He has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and promised action against both the club management and officials responsible for approving its operations despite safety lapses.

National Leaders Express Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy in a social media post, extending condolences to families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. “Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow, stating that the state government is providing all possible assistance. An ex-gratia payment of 2 lakh rupees (around $24,000) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided to the next of kin of those who died, while injured survivors will receive 50,000 rupees.

BJP MLA Michael Lobo highlighted the need for stricter safety audits across Goa’s nightlife establishments. “Tourists have always considered Goa a safe destination, but this fire incident is extremely disturbing,” he said. Lobo explained that many victims died of suffocation while attempting to escape through the club’s basement. He emphasized that safeguarding both tourists and workers should be a priority to prevent future tragedies.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns

Authorities are examining the club’s adherence to fire safety norms and the regulatory framework that allowed the venue to operate. Initial indications suggest lapses in compliance, though formal investigation results are pending. The magisterial inquiry will assess whether negligence by management or local authorities contributed to the scale of the disaster.

Goa, a state known for its vibrant tourism sector and crowded beaches, has faced scrutiny over public safety in crowded establishments in the past. This incident may prompt broader inspections of nightlife venues, particularly in areas frequented by tourists, amid concerns over enforcement of safety standards.

The fire underscores risks in hospitality and entertainment sectors where safety protocols may be inconsistently applied. It also highlights the vulnerability of both staff and tourists in venues where emergency preparedness is lacking.