Panaji, Goa: The death toll from the massive fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, has risen to 25, officials confirmed on Sunday, as distraught families and authorities scramble to provide assistance and clarity in the wake of one of the deadliest incidents in Goa’s tourism history.
The state government, responding swiftly to the crisis, has issued emergency helpline numbers to ensure families, tourists, and residents affected by the fire have access to timely information and support. The decision was taken to streamline communication and enhance coordination among officials managing the disaster response.
Helplines and Administrative Support
The North Goa District Disaster Management Authority has set up a District Control Room at the North Goa Collectorate, reachable at 0832-2225383, while the Goa Police Control Room (North Goa) can be contacted at 7875756000 for urgent reports and assistance.
Dedicated officers have been assigned at both district and sub-divisional levels to assist relatives and victims:
- Bardez-I Officer: Varsha S. Parab – 8308014526
- Bardez-II Officer: Vasant Dabholkar – 7083234963
- Tiswadi District Contact: Bhiku L. Gawas – 9421151048
- Mamlatdar Offices: Anant Rajaram Malik – 9637779277; Dattaprasad Toraskar – 9923882807
These contacts are part of a rapid response framework, ensuring that family members and concerned parties can reach out directly to officials for information on victims, hospital updates, and logistical assistance.
Death Toll and Victim Identification
Among the 25 victims, four have been identified as tourists, while 14 were employees of the nightclub. The identities of the remaining seven victims are yet to be established, highlighting the urgency for forensic and administrative support.
Earlier, distraught relatives and friends had gathered outside morgues and hospitals in North Goa, seeking clarity on the fate of their loved ones. The state administration has vowed to facilitate transportation of bodies, coordinate compensation, and provide medical support to the six survivors currently undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Magisterial Inquiry and Arrests
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, focusing on whether the nightclub adhered to fire safety regulations and building construction norms.
“The club’s managers and other personnel have already been arrested. An arrest warrant has also been issued against the club’s owners,” CM Sawant said in an interaction with ANI. “This is an unfortunate day. For the first time in Goa’s tourism history, such a large-scale fire has occurred. Twenty-five people died. Some were able to escape, while others could not. A few died due to suffocation.”
CM Sawant confirmed that compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased and that the six injured are receiving the best available medical care. He personally spoke to the Dean of GMCH to ensure medical treatment and coordination.
Preliminary Findings and Safety Concerns
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that safety norms may not have been fully adhered to. Officials are examining whether the club had obtained the necessary construction and operational permissions, and whether it complied with fire safety codes.
The fire occurred late on Saturday night at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, a popular destination in North Goa. Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze engulfed the club within minutes, trapping patrons and employees. Narrow entry and exit points made evacuation difficult, and emergency services faced challenges accessing the site due to the club’s location near the backwaters and tight lanes.
Government Response and National Attention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called CM Sawant on Sunday morning to get a detailed briefing on the incident, the injured, and the ongoing administrative response. CM Sawant assured that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Officials emphasized that the helplines are part of a broader disaster response strategy, aimed at reducing confusion, facilitating faster identification of victims, and ensuring seamless coordination between hospital authorities, police, and the district administration.
Impact on Tourism and Community
The Arpora nightclub fire has sent shockwaves through Goa’s tourism industry, a sector that has long been a major contributor to the state’s economy. Authorities have stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations, especially at establishments that host large crowds of tourists and locals alike.
Local residents, tourism operators, and workers in the hospitality sector have expressed deep concern over the tragedy. Emergency helplines and district-level officers have been tasked with counselling affected families, coordinating logistics, and assisting with legal and compensation matters.
Next Steps
The magisterial inquiry will investigate all aspects of the fire, including:
- Compliance with building and fire safety regulations
- Validity of construction and operational permissions
- Accountability of the club owners, management, and staff
- Emergency preparedness and response mechanisms
CM Sawant reiterated that “whoever is found guilty will be held accountable and put behind bars,” underscoring the government’s commitment to justice and preventive measures.
For Immediate Assistance
- North Goa District Collectorate: 0832-2225383
- North Goa Police Control Room: 7875756000
- Bardez-I Officer Varsha S. Parab: 8308014526
- Bardez-II Officer Vasant Dabholkar: 7083234963
- Tiswadi District Contact Bhiku L. Gawas: 9421151048
- Mamlatdar Offices: Anant Rajaram Malik – 9637779277; Dattaprasad Toraskar – 9923882807
Authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations, facilitate victim identification, and provide support to familiesin the aftermath of the catastrophic fire.
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