A horrific fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa's Arpora has claimed 25 lives, exposing shocking lapses in safety and licensing. The tragedy unfolded late on Saturday night at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' venue during a belly-dance performance, sending approximately 150 panicked guests scrambling for exits.
The Panic and the Tragic Aftermath
Disturbing video footage from inside the club shows flames erupting and spreading with terrifying speed across the first-floor dance area. As the fire grew, thick smoke rapidly filled the enclosed space, creating chaos and zero visibility. In the desperate bid to escape, many guests fled towards what they thought was an exit, only to find themselves trapped in the basement kitchen.
Tragically, 23 of the victims suffocated to death in that basement. Two more bodies were later discovered on a staircase, highlighting the confusion during the evacuation. The victims included a mix of staff and tourists; 20 employees hailed from various Indian states and Nepal, while five were tourists visiting the coastal state.
Investigations Point to Negligence and Illegal Operations
Preliminary investigations by the authorities have pinpointed the cause. Contrary to early speculation about a gas cylinder explosion, the fire is believed to have been sparked by electric firecrackers that hit the wooden ceiling during the performance.
The probe has revealed a cascade of failures that turned the incident into a mass casualty event. The club was located on a salt pan with only a single, narrow lane for access, severely hampering rescue operations. It was found to be operating without the requisite licences and in violation of multiple building and safety norms. Fire safety measures were either absent or grossly inadequate.
Following the incident, the police have taken swift action. Four staff members of the club have been arrested. The owners, identified as Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. A police team has been sent to Delhi to execute arrest warrants against them. In a related action, the state government has sealed another club owned by the Luthra brothers due to similar safety shortcomings.
Compensation and a National Wake-Up Call
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for the victims' families, with ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The state government is also expected to provide aid.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves across Goa and the country, raising urgent questions about the enforcement of safety regulations in crowded entertainment venues. It underscores a fatal gap between rules and their implementation, leading to the preventable loss of young lives.
