A massive fire that erupted in a popular North Goa nightclub in the early hours of Sunday has claimed at least 25 lives, leaving the state in shock. The blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora village also left six people injured, with victims including both tourists and staff members.
Details of the Tragedy and Official Response
According to police reports shared with PTI, the deceased include four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of the remaining seven victims are yet to be established. The incident occurred post-midnight at the venue, which is located about 25 km from the state capital Panaji and had opened just last year.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site and announced a magisterial inquiry into the fire. He stated that an arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners, while managers and others have already been taken into custody. "Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars," Sawant asserted. He also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him for details and expressed his grief.
What Caused the Deadly Fire?
Preliminary investigations point to a lethal combination of safety violations. The club was reportedly crowded with weekend revelers and was housed in a structure built with flammable materials. Crucially, it had only a single entrance and limited exit routes.
Chief Minister Sawant, speaking to PTI, indicated the fire started on the upper floor. "Narrow and congested doors further reduced escape chances," he said, adding, "Once the fire intensified, others could not get out. Many who moved towards the underground area died due to suffocation because there was no proper ventilation."
While the exact ignition source is under investigation, Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar suggested a possible cylinder blast may have triggered the catastrophic event.
Aftermath and Compensation Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who died. Those injured will receive ₹50,000 each.
CM Sawant pledged strict action, stating, "We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms." He assured that the Goa Government would take all necessary steps to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
The devastating incident has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for enforcing fire safety regulations in commercial establishments, especially popular nightlife venues frequented by tourists.
