A devastating fire at a popular nightclub in Goa, India, has tragically claimed the lives of twenty-five individuals, local authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred at approximately midnight local time on Saturday in Arpora, North Goa, is believed to have started with a gas cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen.
Initial reports indicated 23 fatalities, but officials updated the death toll to 25 by Sunday morning. The majority of those who perished are understood to be staff members at the establishment, with tourists also among the deceased. Six other individuals are currently receiving medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.
Goa’s Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, stated that the blaze was primarily concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor. He confirmed that emergency services brought the fire under control and noted that most of the bodies were discovered near the kitchen, leading to the belief that the victims were employees of the club.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed journalists that three victims succumbed to burn injuries, while others died due to smoke inhalation and suffocation. He also mentioned that between three and four tourists were among the fatalities, though their ages and nationalities were not immediately provided. Millenium TV has learned the fire erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane, a club located in Baga, one of the coastal region’s most frequented beaches.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium and panic in the bustling nightlife district. One individual, who was outside the club when the incident unfolded, recounted hearing screams before realizing the severity of the blaze. “Nobody could do much. The scenes were just horrific,” the witness stated. A chef working nearby expressed deep concern for colleagues employed at the Birch club, many of whom are from various parts of India and Nepal, noting their phones were unreachable.
Rescue operations continued into the early hours of Sunday, with crews meticulously searching through the charred remains to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire. A heavy security presence was maintained at the site, with access to the nightclub restricted. Charred and melted furniture and decor were visible inside the venue.
The bodies of the victims have been transported to Goa Medical College in Panaji for identification, with firefighters working to notify their families. Chief Minister Sawant has announced a formal inquiry into the fire, vowing stringent action against anyone found responsible for negligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow over the incident in a social media post, describing it as “deeply saddening.”
Goa, a former Portuguese colony renowned for its vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts, attracts millions of tourists annually. Government data indicates that approximately 5.5 million tourists visited Goa in the first half of the year, including 270,000 international visitors.
© Millenium TV
