North Goa: In the aftermath of a tragic fire that killed at least 25 people at a nightclub in Arpora, the North Goa administration has announced an immediate ban on the use of fireworks inside nightclubs, hotels, and other tourist establishments. The decision, made public on Thursday, comes as authorities intensify safety measures to prevent further loss of life in entertainment and hospitality venues.

The deadly incident occurred on Saturday night at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora. Among the 25 victims were 20 staff members and five tourists, highlighting the catastrophic impact of the blaze on both employees and visitors. Preliminary investigations by police and fire authorities indicate that the fire was triggered during a dance performance when electric fireworks, fired using pyro guns, ignited flammable materials inside the club.

The nightclub was owned by brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who have been detained in connection with the incident. In addition, five managers and staff members associated with the club have been arrested, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. The case has drawn significant public attention, not only because of the high casualty count but also due to alleged negligence and violations of fire safety norms.

Authorities revealed that the Luthra brothers had fled to Phuket, Thailand, on an IndiGo flight shortly after the fire broke out. According to officials, the brothers booked their tickets through MakeMyTrip at 1:17 am on December 7, at a time when firefighters and police were still struggling to rescue victims trapped inside the club. An official stated, “Even as the Goa Police and Goa Fire Services were battling to douse the fire and rescue the people trapped inside, the Luthra brothers were preparing to flee the country.” This development has intensified scrutiny over accountability and emergency preparedness in entertainment venues across the state.

In response to the tragedy, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the demolition of the Vagator beach shack owned by the Luthra brothers. Demolition work began on Tuesday evening, sending a strong message regarding enforcement of safety regulations. The Chief Minister also vowed to cancel licenses of hotels, clubs, and other tourist establishments that fail to meet prescribed fire safety norms, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to negligence in the hospitality sector.

The ban on fireworks within clubs and hotels comes as part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. Fireworks, while popular in entertainment and celebratory events, pose a significant hazard in enclosed spaces, particularly when flammable materials are present and safety protocols are inadequately followed.

The tragic fire has also intensified scrutiny of airlines, particularly IndiGo, whose mass cancellations left many passengers stranded across Indian airports. The Luthra brothers’ ability to book their international flights while emergency services were still engaged in rescue operations has raised questions about coordination and monitoring of potential suspects during critical incidents.

The incident has prompted authorities to review fire safety norms and emergency preparedness protocols in the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Nightclubs, hotels, and tourist establishments are now expected to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations, including the installation of functional fire extinguishers, clearly marked emergency exits, and restrictions on hazardous activities such as the use of indoor fireworks.

Police officials continue to investigate the incident, focusing on the chain of events that led to the fire and the responsibility of club owners, managers, and staff in ensuring the safety of patrons and employees. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage are being reviewed to understand the precise sequence of events and whether safety lapses or negligence contributed to the high casualty count.

The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about public safety in entertainment venues across India. Experts emphasize the need for stricter regulatory oversight, routine inspections, and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar incidents. The incident has also reignited debates about accountability and the responsibility of business owners to prioritize human safety over commercial interests.

In addition to immediate enforcement measures, Goa authorities are reportedly exploring long-term strategies to enhance fire safety, including training for staff in emergency response, mandatory installation of advanced fire suppression systems, and routine audits of nightclubs and hotels. These measures aim to create a safer environment for tourists and local residents, particularly during peak holiday seasons when nightlife activities are at their highest.

The North Goa administration’s proactive ban on indoor fireworks underscores the urgent need to mitigate risks in entertainment spaces. The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can result from lapses in safety protocols and negligent practices.

As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to the public and business owners to cooperate fully and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The focus remains on preventing future tragedies, holding those responsible accountable, and restoring public confidence in Goa’s hospitality and entertainment sectors.

With fire safety now a top priority, clubs, hotels, and tourist establishments across North Goa are expected to review their operations, adopt stringent safety measures, and adhere to government directives to prevent any recurrence of such devastating incidents. The state government has emphasized that licenses will be revoked for establishments that fail to comply, signaling an uncompromising approach to public safety.

The fire has left an indelible impact on the local community, with mourners and concerned citizens calling for justice and stricter enforcement of safety standards. Authorities have pledged to conduct thorough investigations, enforce accountability, and implement measures that ensure the safety of all visitors to North Goa’s vibrant nightlife and tourist venues.

The incident at Birch by Romeo Lane is now considered a critical turning point for safety regulations in Goa, prompting both immediate corrective action and a longer-term reassessment of fire risk management in the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors.