A massive fire that erupted late on Sunday night at a popular nightclub in North Goa has resulted in one of the state's worst tragedies, claiming at least twenty-five lives and leaving several injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the coastal tourist paradise.
Midnight Inferno Traps Victims in Basement
The blaze broke out around midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a restaurant and nightclub located in the Sankwadi area of Arpora. The fire quickly spread, trapping numerous victims inside the building. According to officials, most of the deceased were found in the basement of the establishment, where they were unable to escape the rapidly engulfing flames.
Goa's Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, provided a grim breakdown of the casualties. He confirmed that among the twenty-five dead are four tourists and fourteen staff members. The identities of the remaining seven victims are still in the process of being verified. Additionally, six people sustained injuries and are currently undergoing medical treatment in local hospitals.
Chief Minister Announces Probe, Reveals Lack of Permissions
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the charred site of the disaster on Monday. Expressing his grief, he termed the incident "unfortunate" and noted that it was the first time such a major fire tragedy had occurred in Goa. In a statement that pointed towards serious lapses, CM Sawant revealed that the establishment was functioning without the requisite proper permissions.
"I condole the deaths. The Goa government will hold an inquiry," the Chief Minister asserted, signaling a thorough investigation into the causes of the fire and the blatant regulatory violations. Local MLA from Calangute, Michael Lobo, who also inspected the area alongside senior officials, highlighted the devastating impact on the local community, noting that most of the deceased were locals employed at the club.
A Severe Blow to Goa's Tourist-Friendly Image
The tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety standards in Goa's bustling coastal tourist belt. MLA Michael Lobo did not mince words, calling the fire a major setback to Goa's reputation as a safe and tourist-friendly destination. "This is a very disturbing incident," Lobo stated, emphasizing the immediate need for action.
He called for a comprehensive safety audit of all similar establishments operating in the popular coastal areas to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again. The incident has cast a pall over the state's tourism industry, which is a cornerstone of its economy, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms and building regulations.
