At least 25 people lost their lives in a devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, early on Sunday morning. The tragedy has shocked the state and the nation, highlighting concerns over fire safety standards in entertainment venues. Officials have said preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, which quickly engulfed the nightclub, turning a night of celebration into a scene of horror.

According to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the majority of the victims were the club’s kitchen staff, along with three to four tourists who had come to enjoy the weekend nightlife. Six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care, with authorities confirming that their condition is stable.

Eyewitness accounts provide a harrowing insight into the chaos and panic that ensued after the explosion. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, recounted her experience to PTI: “There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames.” She added that the nightclub was crowded at the time, with at least 100 people on the dance floor, reflecting the weekend rush.

Shaikh further described the confusion and panic among the patrons. “After the blaze erupted, some tourists ran downstairs and, in the confusion, ended up in the kitchen on the ground floor. They got trapped there along with other staff. Many managed to run out of the club, but it was sheer chaos,” she said. These accounts underline the tragic combination of overcrowding, poor evacuation options, and rapid fire spread that contributed to the high death toll.

A local resident also shared his experience, telling ANI that he heard a loud explosion while heading home and later saw ambulances rushing to the site. “When I was heading home, I heard an explosion. Later, we saw ambulances arriving at the spot. When we reached the location, we saw that the incident had already occurred,” he said. Another eyewitness, a security guard working at a nearby restaurant, confirmed the sequence of events: “We heard a massive explosion. We later learned that the fire broke out after a cylinder blast.”

The fire reportedly spread with alarming speed, consuming the structure and leaving little time for evacuation. Preliminary reports suggest that the kitchen area and basement, where many of the staff members were working, became death traps, as smoke and flames filled the confined spaces. Goa authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and examining the club’s compliance with safety regulations.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site shortly after the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragedy. He indicated that Birch by Romeo Lane had been operating without several mandatory permissions. “The fire started on the ground floor of the nightclub, leaving those in the basement trapped and unable to escape, which led to their death by suffocation,” Sawant said, citing preliminary findings from fire staff. He announced that a full inquiry would be conducted to identify the cause and determine whether fire safety norms and building regulations had been followed. Sawant assured that those found responsible would face stringent legal action.

Local legislator Michael Lobo called for a comprehensive safety audit of all clubs and restaurants in the state. “This is very sad and very disturbing. Goa was always known as a safe tourist destination. We have to undertake a safety audit of all clubs and restaurants, especially of air-conditioned establishments, not just of the guest spaces but also of the working spaces,” he said.

Birch by Romeo Lane had a history of regulatory complications. The nightclub was constructed on what was once a saltpan and had received demolition notices from both the local village panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority. However, these notices were stayed on appeal by the Directorate of Panchayats, allowing the club to continue operating despite concerns about structural and safety compliance. This background has intensified scrutiny of the club’s operations and safety practices.

In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. In a post on X, he called the fire “deeply saddening” and stated, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.” PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion on safety standards in Goa’s nightlife sector. Experts and residents alike have stressed the urgent need for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, including adequate emergency exits, functional fire extinguishers, and trained staff capable of handling such emergencies. The tragedy underscores the potential risks when compliance with safety protocols is overlooked, particularly in venues with high occupancy levels.

Firefighters and emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, battling the blaze and conducting rescue operations under challenging conditions. Narrow access roads and the club’s layout hindered initial response efforts, but authorities were able to evacuate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The combination of combustible materials, overcrowding, and delayed evacuation contributed significantly to the high death toll.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Authorities are expected to examine multiple aspects, including the structural integrity of the club, the source and handling of LPG cylinders, occupancy limits, and adherence to fire and building regulations. Early findings have already led to the filing of an FIR against the nightclub’s owner and general manager, with arrests expected once preliminary procedures are completed.

Public reaction to the tragedy has been one of grief and outrage. Many have called for tighter oversight of all entertainment venues in Goa, emphasizing that tourist safety must remain a priority. The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by staff working in nightclubs and restaurants, many of whom operate in confined and poorly ventilated spaces.

As investigations proceed, authorities have vowed to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The magisterial inquiry ordered by CM Sawant will assess operational lapses, safety violations, and structural deficiencies, with the goal of recommending measures to improve emergency preparedness and compliance across the state.

In conclusion, the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety measures in public entertainment venues. With at least 25 lives lost, including both tourists and staff, the tragedy has cast a shadow over Goa’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Eyewitness accounts of explosions, flames, and chaotic evacuations highlight the devastating speed with which the disaster unfolded.

As authorities investigate and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring that such a catastrophe does not occur again. Comprehensive safety audits, stringent enforcement of regulations, and greater awareness among staff and management are essential steps toward safeguarding lives in Goa’s nightlife sector. Meanwhile, the government’s financial assistance and support for victims’ families aim to provide some relief amid the grief and tragedy that has gripped Arpora and the wider Goan community.