A devastating fire at a popular North Goa nightclub has claimed the lives of 25 people, with authorities now confirming that all victims have been formally identified. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at “Birch by Romeo Lane,” a well-known party destination located in Arpora village, about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji. What was meant to be a lively weekend night turned into one of the deadliest nightclub disasters the region has witnessed in recent years.

According to officials, the victims include 20 staff members and five tourists. Of the tourists who lost their lives, four were from Delhi and one was from Karnataka. Three of the Delhi victims belonged to the same family, highlighting the deeply personal and heartbreaking nature of the loss for their relatives. The remaining deceased were employees working at the venue, many of whom had migrated from different parts of India and neighbouring Nepal in search of livelihood.

The confirmed list of those who lost their lives includes Mohit, Pradeep Mahto, and Binod Mahto from Jharkhand; Rahul Tanti, Manojit Mal, and Digambar Patir from Assam; Satish Singh, Surender Singh, Jitendra Singh, Sumit Negi, and Manish Singh from Uttarakhand; Churna Bahadur Pun, Vivek Katwal, Sabin, and Sudeep from Nepal; Subhash Chetri from Darjeeling in West Bengal; Sunil Kumar and Rohan Singh from Uttar Pradesh; Dominic and Manoj Jora from Maharashtra; and Ishaq from Karnataka. The Delhi victims were identified as Saroj Joshi, Vinod Kumar, Anita Joshi, and Kamla Joshi. Authorities confirmed that the four victims from Delhi and Ishaq from Karnataka were tourists, while all others were members of the nightclub’s staff.

On the night of the incident, at least 100 people were reportedly packed onto the dance floor when the fire broke out. The blaze is believed to have started shortly after midnight, triggering widespread panic among those inside the venue. As thick smoke and flames spread rapidly through the building, partygoers and staff rushed towards the exits in a desperate attempt to escape. However, the situation quickly turned chaotic due to the club’s narrow layout and limited emergency routes.

Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of stampede-like panic as people surged towards a staircase that led downstairs, towards the kitchen area. Many became trapped in this confined space, where smoke and heat quickly overwhelmed them. The congestion at this point, combined with poor ventilation, is believed to have significantly contributed to the high death toll. Several staff members who attempted to help guests escape were also caught in the deadly crush and fumes.

State police officials stated that preliminary investigations indicate the fire was triggered by a cylinder blast inside the nightclub. The exact location of the blast, however, remains a matter of dispute. While the police have suggested that the blaze originated due to a cylinder explosion, some eyewitnesses claimed that the fire appeared to start on the first floor, where tourists were dancing at the time. Authorities have said that a detailed forensic investigation is underway to determine the precise cause and sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

The physical location and structural design of Birch by Romeo Lane further complicated rescue efforts. The nightclub is situated along the backwaters of the Arpora river and can only be accessed through narrow lanes. This proved to be a critical obstacle for emergency responders. Fire tenders were unable to reach the building directly and had to be stationed approximately 400 metres away from the scene. Firefighters were forced to extend hoses over long distances and navigate cramped pathways while precious minutes were lost.

Local residents and first responders attempted to assist those trapped inside before full-scale rescue operations could begin. Several survivors were pulled out and rushed to nearby hospitals with burn injuries and smoke inhalation. However, for many others, help came too late. By the time the flames were brought under control, dozens of lives had already been lost, and the interior of the club was reduced to a charred, smoke-filled shell.

The incident has raised serious questions about safety standards and emergency preparedness in nightlife venues across Goa, a state that attracts millions of tourists each year. Concerns have been expressed over the nightclub’s narrow entry and exit points, the apparent lack of multiple escape routes, and whether proper fire safety clearances were in place and regularly inspected. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive probe into potential violations, including building code compliance, fire safety equipment maintenance, and crowd management practices.

Grief-stricken families of the victims have begun arriving in Goa to claim the bodies of their loved ones. Many of the deceased were young workers who had travelled far from their home states and countries in search of work opportunities. For their families, the tragedy has not only brought emotional devastation but also financial uncertainty, as several victims were primary breadwinners.

Political leaders and civil society groups have expressed condolences and called for swift accountability. The state government has assured the public that strict action will be taken against any individuals or entities found responsible for lapses in safety or negligence. Compensation for the victims’ families has also been announced, although details regarding the amount and the distribution process are still awaited.

As investigations continue, the tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane stands as a grim reminder of the importance of robust safety measures in crowded public spaces. The loss of 25 lives in a place meant for entertainment has left a deep scar on the state’s tourism industry and on the nation’s conscience. Authorities have promised that lessons will be learned from this disaster, but for the families of those who perished, the pain and absence will be felt for a lifetime.

The coming days are expected to bring more clarity on how the fire started and who bears responsibility. For now, the focus remains on mourning the dead, supporting the injured, and ensuring that such a catastrophe does not repeat itself in any part of the country.