Goa Nightclub Inferno Leaves 25 Dead; Authorities Reveal Multiple Safety Lapses

Panaji | December 07, 2025 A weekend party in North Goa turned into one of the state’s worst fire tragedies when a massive blaze swept through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, killing 25 people, including tourists and staff members. The incident has triggered shock, anger, and urgent questions about how the club was allowed to operate despite repeated demolition notices and warnings from authorities. The fire erupted around 12:04 am, according to the Goa police chief. A loud explosion was heard moments before flames burst through the ground floor. Eyewitnesses later said the blast came from a cylinder inside the club. With music playing and nearly 100 people dancing, no one expected how quickly the situation would spiral out of control. Thick smoke and heat followed the explosion, leaving guests and employees scrambling for a way out. Many rushed downstairs, hoping to escape the fire. Instead, they became trapped in the kitchen along with staff members. Smoke filled the space almost instantly, with most victims dying due to suffocation before they could be rescued. Firefighters and police teams worked through the night, battling the flames and trying to pull survivors out. By early morning, officials confirmed that the fire was under control, but the death toll had climbed to 25. Police revealed that 14 of the dead were staff members, four were tourists, and the identities of seven victims are still being confirmed. Six injured individuals are being treated at nearby hospitals, and their condition is being closely monitored. As rescue operations continued, troubling details about the nightclub’s status came into focus. The club was built on land that was once a saltpan, and it had been issued demolition notices by both the local village panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority. Despite this, the establishment continued to operate because the demolition order had been stayed after an appeal before the Directorate of Panchayats. This raised immediate questions about enforcement and oversight, especially after such a deadly incident. Authorities said the preliminary findings indicate that the fire started on the ground floor. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the people in the basement were unable to escape due to the rapid spread of smoke, which caused most of the deaths. He has ordered a detailed probe into the cause of the fire and the circumstances that allowed the club to function despite multiple warnings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of each person who died in the blaze. He said he had spoken to Chief Minister Sawant and assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the affected families. Union home minister Amit Shah also reacted to the incident, calling it deeply painful and saying the administration was working on relief efforts. Eyewitness accounts added to the grim picture. A security guard at a nearby restaurant said he heard a massive explosion before seeing flames engulf the building. Another person said the dance floor was packed with nearly 100 people when the fire began, creating panic as many rushed toward the lower level without realizing it would trap them further. Outside the morgue, visuals showed families waiting anxiously for identification procedures. Police officials confirmed that the process of identifying the seven unknown victims is underway and that legal action will follow once the investigation establishes responsibility. The tragedy has put a spotlight on fire safety in Goa’s nightlife spots, prompting calls for immediate audits across similar establishments. As the state mourns the sudden loss of 25 lives, officials and residents alike are demanding accountability and stricter measures to prevent such a disaster from repeating itself. Goa Nightclub Inferno Leaves 25 Dead; Authorities Reveal Multiple Safety Lapses A tragic night in Goa has left the state heartbroken after a massive fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, killing 25 people. What was supposed to be a fun weekend turned into chaos within minutes after a loud cylinder blast sparked the fire around 12:04 am. The club was crowded, with nearly 100 people on the dance floor when flames suddenly rose from the ground floor. In the rush to escape, many ran downstairs without knowing that thick smoke had already filled the lower area. Most of the victims, including staff and tourists, got trapped in the kitchen with no way out. Authorities said many died due to suffocation before help could reach them. Firefighters and police worked through the night, and by morning, the fire was finally brought under control. Police confirmed that 14 staff members and four tourists were among the dead. The identities of seven others are still being checked. Six people are injured and are being treated in nearby hospitals. What makes the tragedy even worse is that the club had received multiple demolition notices in the past. It was built on old saltpan land and had violated coastal rules, but a stay order allowed it to continue operating. This has raised serious questions about safety checks and accountability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah expressed grief and announced support for the families. CM Pramod Sawant has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. Goa is now mourning a huge loss, and many are demanding strict action to make sure such a disaster never happens again.