In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across multiple states, three young men from Jharkhand lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa during the early hours of Sunday. The victims—Vinod Mahato, Pradeep Mahato, and Mohit—had migrated to Goa a year ago in search of better livelihood opportunities and had been working as cooks in the popular nightclub. Their untimely deaths are part of a larger disaster that claimed 25 lives, including 20 staff members and five tourists, leaving families and communities across Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Assam, and other states in deep mourning.

The Tragedy Unfolds

According to eyewitness reports, the fire broke out around midnight, just as the club was alive with music and dance. The blaze, reportedly triggered by either an electrical short circuit or the use of firecrackers during a performance, rapidly spread across the first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were on the dance floor. Panic ensued, with many guests rushing towards the kitchen and the exit, where they became trapped due to the narrow passageways of the club.

Among the staff members who perished, three cooks from Jharkhand were working diligently in the kitchen when the flames engulfed the facility. Their families had pinned hopes on their migration to Goa, believing the jobs would provide financial stability and improved living conditions. Unfortunately, that dream was abruptly and tragically cut short.

Personal Stories and Family Grief

Relatives of the victims have been left grappling with immense grief and disbelief. Rajiv Sahu, a cousin of Vinod Mahato, shared with reporters that the trio had come from agricultural backgrounds in Ranchi and had migrated to Goa a year prior to provide a better life for their families. “They came to Goa with dreams of earning and supporting their loved ones. They were young, hardworking, and full of hope. Now, they are gone,” Sahu lamented. He added that he is preparing to transport the mortal remains of Vinod, Pradeep, and Mohit back to Ranchi for their last rites.

The grief extended beyond Jharkhand. Relatives of other victims, including Satish Rana from Uttarakhand, rushed to Goa upon learning of the tragedy. Many gathered outside the Goa Medical College and Hospital morgue, anxiously seeking confirmation about the fate of their loved ones. One relative identified the bodies of Rana and three other colleagues from Uttarakhand, describing the pain of seeing the charred remains of young men who had moved far from home in search of work and stability.

Government Response and Support

In the wake of the disaster, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the state government would assist families with the transportation of the victims’ bodies to their native places. He also declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Authorities have detained the nightclub’s manager and three staff members, while owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have been named in the FIR. Additionally, the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, was detained for issuing a trade license for the nightclub premises in 2013.

Relatives like Rajiv Sahu, however, remain focused on ensuring that the remains of their loved ones reach their hometowns safely, emphasizing the need for dignity in their final rites. Despite the government’s assurance, families are taking personal measures to transport the bodies swiftly, reflecting both urgency and grief.

A Broader Pattern of Migration and Aspiration

The deaths of Vinod, Pradeep, and Mohit highlight a larger pattern among young people from Jharkhand and other states migrating to tourist-heavy regions such as Goa. These migrants often leave behind rural homes and agricultural work in search of better financial prospects. Many find employment in hospitality, food services, or tourism-related sectors. While such jobs can offer opportunities, they also place workers in high-risk environments, often with minimal safety regulations and exposure to hazards, as tragically evidenced in this incident.

Experts note that migrant workers face multiple challenges, including long working hours, lack of proper training, and insufficient safety protocols, which can increase vulnerability in emergency situations. The incident at Birch by Romeo Lane underscores the urgent need for stricter compliance with safety norms in commercial establishments, especially those hosting large gatherings of staff and patrons.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Fire

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences as the fire erupted. Smoke and flames reportedly spread from the ceiling near the stage, prompting immediate chaos. Tourists and staff alike struggled to escape the rapidly spreading fire through narrow exit points. Fire officials later revealed that most deaths were due to suffocation, as victims became trapped on the lower floors of the club while trying to flee.

In the midst of the panic, some staff members attempted to assist guests and manage the evacuation. Unfortunately, for those like Vinod, Pradeep, and Mohit, who were stationed in the kitchen area, escape routes were limited, and their lives were cut tragically short. The swift spread of the fire left little opportunity for intervention despite the efforts of other employees and emergency responders.

Community and Emotional Fallout

The emotional toll of the fire has been profound. Families of the deceased are grappling not only with loss but also with the sudden rupture of dreams and aspirations. For many migrant workers, employment in Goa was a stepping stone toward financial stability for their families. Now, communities in Jharkhand and Uttarakhand mourn the loss of young men whose ambitions ended in unforeseen tragedy.

Relatives and friends have begun organizing transport arrangements for the bodies, coordinating with hospitals and airlines to ensure timely return for cremation rituals. The sight of families and extended relatives waiting outside the morgue, struggling to process the scale of the disaster, has been described as deeply moving and heart-wrenching by local reporters.

Investigations and Safety Measures

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the blaze. A panel has been formed to determine the precise cause, whether it was electrical short circuit, firecrackers, or negligence in safety protocols. Meanwhile, arrests and FIRs have been filed, signaling a serious approach toward accountability.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about fire safety standards in nightclubs and entertainment venues, particularly those employing migrant staff who may have limited knowledge of emergency protocols. Ensuring that exits are accessible, fire extinguishers are operational, and staff are trained in emergency evacuation could prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

The deaths of Vinod Mahato, Pradeep Mahato, and Mohit serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of dreams for migrant workers and the critical importance of safety in workplaces that serve the public. Their aspirations to provide a better life for their families in Jharkhand ended in an unimaginable tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane.

As families prepare to bring their loved ones home for last rites, the incident also calls for introspection among policymakers, industry owners, and local authorities. Strengthening safety regulations, ensuring proper emergency preparedness, and providing adequate support for migrant workers are essential steps to prevent such heart-wrenching losses in the future. For the families, communities, and the broader public, the nightclub fire is a stark reminder that the pursuit of better opportunities can sometimes carry unforeseen risks, and safeguarding lives must remain a priority.