A horrific fire at a nightclub in North Goa has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 23 people late on Saturday night. The blaze, suspected to be triggered by a cylinder explosion, ripped through the popular venue around midnight, leaving a trail of devastation.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fire erupted at a club known as Birch by Romeo Lane, located in the bustling Baga beach area of Arpora, North Goa. According to police officials, the incident occurred around midnight on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and several fire tenders were dispatched to the scene.
Rescue operations continued through the night and into the early hours of Sunday morning. Goa's Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Kumar, confirmed that the fire has now been brought under control. He stated that the blaze was primarily concentrated in the kitchen area on the ground floor of the establishment.
Rescue Operations and Victim Identification
Police and firefighting teams worked tirelessly on rescue and evacuation efforts. A grim discovery was made during the operation: the majority of the bodies were recovered from the kitchen vicinity. This has led investigators to believe that most of the deceased were staff members who were present in that area at the time of the explosion and fire. Additionally, two bodies were found on the staircase, indicating a frantic attempt to escape.
Senior police officers, including the DGP, along with specialized teams from the North Goa district, rushed to the site to oversee the response and initiate an investigation. While the suspected cause is a cylinder blast, DGP Alok Kumar emphasized that the exact source and cause of the fire are still to be officially ascertained.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The community in Goa and across the nation has been shaken by this profound tragedy. The incident highlights critical concerns regarding safety protocols in high-occupancy entertainment venues. The police have launched a detailed probe to determine the sequence of events and any potential lapses that may have contributed to the high casualty count.
As families mourn their loved ones, the focus remains on providing support and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring. The final identification of all victims and the official cause of the fire are awaited as authorities continue their work at the scene.
