Panaji, Goa: The horrific late-night blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora, has left at least 25 people dead and six injured, marking one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the state’s history. While initial investigations have begun, several critical questions remain unanswered, including what triggered the fire and why emergency services were delayed in reaching the venue.
The Tragic Night
The incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday, when the nightclub, packed with weekend crowds, suddenly caught fire. Early reports suggest that the fire may have started on the upper floor, the main dance area where approximately 100 tourists were present. Witnesses recounted a sudden eruption of flames that quickly spread throughout the structure.
Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, told 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 club’s temporary construction, made of palm leaves and flammable material, caught fire almost instantly.
Many victims, in the ensuing chaos, ran downstairs and became trapped in the kitchen along with staff members. The basement area, where most of the staff worked, had minimal ventilation and very limited exits, contributing to suffocation-related deaths. Three people died directly from burn injuries caused by a cylinder explosion, while the rest succumbed to smoke inhalation, including three women.
What Triggered the Fire?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest a cylinder blast may have triggered the blaze, according to Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant noted that narrow and congested doors significantly reduced escape possibilities, intensifying the tragedy.
“The fire started on the upper floor, and once it intensified, others could not get out. Many who moved towards the underground area died due to suffocation because there was no proper ventilation,” CM Sawant told PTI.
Access Hurdles Hampered Rescue Efforts
One of the most critical issues during the rescue operation was the restricted access to the nightclub. Located near the backwaters of Arpora, the club had only a single narrow approach road, forcing fire engines and emergency personnel to park nearly 400 metres away from the blaze.
A senior fire officer said, “The restricted access made it difficult to reach the spot, which in turn made controlling the blaze a challenging task.” The narrow lanes delayed the containment efforts, further aggravating the death toll.
Authorities also highlighted that the fire safety systems at the club, if any, were either inadequate or non-functional, worsening the situation.
Legal and Structural Questions
The legality of the nightclub’s structure has emerged as a key point in the ongoing investigation. Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar told reporters that the building was constructed without a proper construction licence. He said that the panchayat had previously issued a demolition notice after receiving complaints, but the order was stayed following an appeal.
The nightclub is operated by Saurabh Luthra, who has come under scrutiny following the disaster. Authorities have registered an FIR against the general managers and the owner, and arrest warrants have been issued. CM Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine whether the club complied with fire safety and construction regulations.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion. Many patrons, trying to escape, ran downstairs into the basement—the very area where most staff members were trapped. Fatima Shaikh explained, “Some of the tourists started running downstairs and, in the melee, went to the kitchen… They got trapped there along with other staff.”
The flimsy construction materials, combined with overcrowding and poor ventilation, created a perfect storm, turning the nightclub into a death trap in minutes.
Government Response and Relief Measures
CM Sawant visited the site at around 2 am on Sunday, accompanied by local MLA Michael Lobo, to assess the damage and oversee rescue operations. “This is extremely tragic. For the first time in Goa’s history, we have witnessed a fire disaster of this scale,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia for the family of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the injured, signaling immediate relief measures. PM Narendra Modi also personally called CM Sawant at 6 am for a detailed briefing, offering support and assurance of government assistance.
Key Questions Still Pending
While initial reports point to overcrowding, flammable construction materials, and restricted escape routes as major factors, several questions remain:
- What exactly triggered the blaze? – Investigators are considering a cylinder explosion as a possible cause.
- Why was emergency response delayed? – Fire engines were forced to park 400 metres away, highlighting serious access challenges.
- Were safety norms and construction codes followed? – The building was reportedly constructed without a licence, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
- How will accountability be ensured? – FIRs have been lodged and arrest warrants issued, but authorities are yet to complete a thorough magisterial inquiry.
CM Sawant confirmed that the inquiry will examine all aspects of the disaster, including building permissions, fire safety measures, and emergency preparedness.
The Road Ahead
The tragedy has shaken Goa’s tourism and nightlife sector, raising urgent questions about safety regulations at entertainment venues across the state. Authorities have pledged strict scrutiny and accountability, with the investigation expected to reveal both structural and administrative lapses that contributed to the catastrophe.
Meanwhile, the emergency helplines and relief mechanisms set up by the North Goa Collectorate and Goa Police are providing crucial support to the families and friends of victims, ensuring that they receive timely updates, medical assistance, and guidance regarding postmortem and compensation procedures.
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