North Goa, Arpora: A video circulating on social media shows the harrowing moments when a fire erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, on the late night of Saturday, December 6, ultimately claiming 25 lives. Among the victims were four tourists and 14 staff members, with others including locals.

The video, apparently recorded by a visitor, shows a belly-dancer performing on stage as flames suddenly emerge from the roof of the room. Performers and visitors are seen halting mid-act before rushing out in panic, as the fire spreads rapidly across the establishment. In the background, people can be heard shouting, “aag lag gayi [fire has erupted].”

Timeline of the incident

Goa Police received the first call reporting the fire at around 12:04 am on Sunday. Investigations suggest that the fire began near the roof of the performance area, spreading quickly to other parts of the club, which was densely packed with visitors.

Administrative response

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against the nightclub’s owner and general manager, with arrests forthcoming. The FIR, according to authorities, does not yet list the accused by name.

Ownership and prior disputes

The nightclub’s operator has been identified as Saurabh Luthra, according to the Arpora village panchayat head. Panchayat Sarpanch Roshan Redkar noted that Luthra had longstanding disputes with landowners and business partners, which had previously led to complaints against the establishment.

Implications

The tragic blaze has intensified scrutiny on fire safety norms, unauthorized construction, and regulatory oversight in entertainment venues across Goa. Preliminary reports indicate that flammable materials and LPG cylinders may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, the structural safety of the club, and the sequence of events leading to the deaths of patrons and staff.