A horrific fire at a popular nightclub in Goa has tragically claimed the lives of 25 people, local officials confirmed. The majority of the victims are believed to be staff members at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, situated near a bustling beach. Reports also indicate that several tourists are among the deceased.
The blaze, which ripped through the venue late Saturday night, is believed by authorities to have originated from a gas cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen. Following the devastating incident, the nightclub’s manager has been taken into custody, and an arrest warrant has been issued for the owner.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of sheer panic in the usually vibrant nightlife district. One individual, present outside the club, recounted hearing screams before realizing a massive fire had erupted, describing the sight as “horrific.” The venue was reportedly packed, hosting a special Bollywood DJ event. Firefighters faced significant challenges in accessing the main structure due to a narrow crossing over a small lake leading to the entrance.
Millenium TV has learned that the fire was primarily concentrated around the ground-floor kitchen area. Goa police chief Alok Kumar stated that most of the bodies were discovered near the kitchen, suggesting that the victims were employees of the club.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed journalists that three individuals succumbed to burn injuries, while others died from suffocation. He also confirmed that “three to four” tourists perished in the inferno, though their ages or nationalities were not immediately provided. Six other individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospital and are in stable condition.
Early Sunday, emergency teams meticulously combed through the charred wreckage to determine the precise cause of the fire. A heavy security presence remained at the scene, with the nightclub doors sealed off as investigations continue. The bodies of the victims have been transported to Goa Medical College in Panaji, where eight have been identified as workers from various Indian states, including Jharkhand, Assam, and Uttarakhand. Authorities are still working to identify all victims and notify their families.
Chief Minister Sawant has initiated an inquiry into the incident, vowing “most stringent action” against those found responsible. “Any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” he affirmed, expressing deep grief and offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow, calling the Goa fire “deeply saddening” in a social media statement.
Goa, a former Portuguese colony renowned for its vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts, attracts millions of tourists annually. Recent government data indicates that approximately 5.5 million tourists visited the region in the first half of the year, with 270,000 arriving from abroad.
The tragedy has reignited discussions among some political figures regarding the need for stricter regulations for entertainment venues. Concerns have been raised about the rapid opening of new clubs and the imperative for government oversight to ensure public safety. India has experienced several deadly fires in entertainment establishments in recent years, including incidents in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and an amusement park arcade in Gujarat, which highlighted inadequate safety standards.
© Millenium TV
