Written By: Muskan Gupta | Updated : December 7, 2025 11:38 AM IST
A horrific fire blasted into the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane late Wednesday night in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 people. According to preliminary information supplied by officials, roughly 50 others have been hurt and are currently being treated at Goa Medical College. Officials confirmed that the majority of deaths were caused by suffocation from smoke. Four vacationers and 14 staff members were identified as victims by officials. The identities of the remaining seven people are currently being investigated to ascertain if they were visitors or staff.
The incident occurred at 1 a.m., and police initially suspected that the fire was started by a cylinder blow near the kitchen. However, this has been ruled out. The Goa Director General of Police (DGP) stated that the cylinders were undamaged during the inspection.
Officials stated that the bomb was so intense that flames devoured the entire structure in seconds, leaving little time for people inside to escape. The remains of the fatalities have been transferred for post-mortem tests, while official information on the number and condition of the injured is still pending. Rescue operations continued into the night, and authorities are seeking to identify the victims and notify their families.
The Director General of Police has claimed that the investigation would also look into the club's safety procedures, gas hookup systems and emergency exit strategy to see whether there were any violations. Multiple fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and after nearly two hours of intense effort, the fire was ultimately brought under control. The nightclub is being sealed, and the owners and managers are being questioned. According to initial evidence, the club did not follow fire safety regulations.
Dr Pramod Sawant, Goa's Chief Minister, described the day as "very painful" following the terrible incident at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora.
Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people.
I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss. I visited the incident site and have Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 6, 2025
To prevent such fatal accidents in future, authorities as well as the masses should also address the matters of safety. The following are notable safety measures:
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