ARPORA, GOA: A massive fire at the popular nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ in Arpora, North Goa, claimed the lives of 25 people and injured six others late Saturday night. The tragedy, one of the deadliest fire incidents in Goa’s history, is being attributed by authorities and eyewitnesses to the use of firecrackers inside the packed venue.

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The fire broke out shortly after midnight, with many of the victims—mostly staff members—being trapped in a basement and kitchen area as the blaze quickly engulfed the structure.

Cause of Fire and Eyewitness Accounts

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that preliminary findings suggest the fire was caused by the bursting of electrical firecrackers or a fireshow set off during a performance, which spread rapidly due to temporary, possibly flammable, decorations.

“Fireworks were set off while dancers were performing at the nightclub,” stated a survivor from Delhi, describing a sudden stampede as the premises filled with thick smoke.

Initial reports mentioning a possible cylinder blast have been largely superseded by the CM’s statement pointing to the internal pyrotechnics as the trigger.

Victims and Trapped Staff

Police officials confirmed that the 25 deceased include 20 staff members and five tourists (four from Delhi, one from Karnataka). Heartbreakingly, most of the victims were found trapped in the basement area, an apparent dead-end when patrons and staff rushed to escape the blaze above.

• Cause of Death: While three victims succumbed to burn injuries, the vast majority died due to suffocation from the dense smoke.

• Injured: Six individuals were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital, with their condition reported as stable.

Among the staff killed were two brothers, Pradeep and Vinod Mahto, and a third migrant worker, Mohit Manda, all from Jharkhand, who had come to Goa to work as cooks.

Action and Safety Lapses

The tragic event has immediately turned the spotlight onto significant lapses in safety regulations.

• Safety Norms Flouted: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the nightclub appeared to have violated fire safety norms and was allegedly operating without proper construction and trade permissions.

• Arrests and FIR: Police have registered an FIR against the club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra (who are currently booked), the club’s Chief General Manager, Manager, Bar Manager, and Gate Manager.

• Official Accountability: Furthermore, the local Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat Sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, has been detained, and three senior government officials have been suspended for their alleged role in allowing the facility to operate despite safety and licensing violations.

• Inquiry Ordered: CM Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, with a report expected within a week, promising the “most stringent action” against all those found responsible.

The Goa government has announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Authorities have also sealed a second establishment linked to the club’s promoters.