A massive fire ripped through the upscale nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora in North Goa, shortly after 1 am on Friday, killing 25 people and injuring more than 50 others, according to media reports.
The wounded were rushed to Goa Medical College, where several remain in critical condition as authorities probe the cause of the deadly blaze.
Authorities said most of the victims died due to severe smoke inhalation as the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the multi-level establishment within seconds.
Of the deceased, officials have so far identified four tourists and 14 staff members, while efforts are underway to determine the identities of seven others.
Initial reports suggested that a cylinder blast near the kitchen triggered the blaze, but the Goa Director General of Police later clarified that the cylinders were found intact during inspection.
The source of the explosion-like sound that preceded the inferno is now being probed.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control. Rescue operations continued through the night as teams searched the charred premises for survivors and began shifting bodies for post-mortem examinations.
The nightclub has since been sealed, and police have begun questioning the owners and management.
Early findings indicate that the establishment did not comply with mandated fire safety norms, including emergency exits and gas system checks.
The DGP confirmed that the investigation will examine the club’s safety measures, building approvals, and adherence to fire regulations.
Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant described the tragedy as “very painful” and said he has ordered a full-scale inquiry to determine the precise cause of the fire and any regulatory lapses.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo, speaking at the site, said that several victims were local staff working in the basement area and that most deaths occurred as people ran downstairs in a desperate attempt to escape the smoke.
President Droupadi Murmu said she was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives and offered prayers for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “deeply saddening” and said he had spoken with the Goa Chief Minister to ensure all possible assistance is provided.
He also announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of each victim and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the deaths “deeply painful,” noting that local authorities were working round-the-clock on relief and rescue efforts.
As investigators comb through the wreckage, families continue to gather outside hospitals and the charred club building, seeking news of their loved ones.
The tragedy has sparked renewed scrutiny of fire safety compliance across Goa’s nightlife hotspots, raising urgent questions about oversight and enforcement.
