At least 25 people lost their lives in a devastating fire at a nightclub in North Goa, with initial investigations suggesting that indoor fireworks may have sparked the blaze.
NEW DELHI — A tragic fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora has claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals, marking one of the deadliest incidents of its kind in the region in recent years. The fire broke out around midnight on December 6 at Birch by Romeo Lane, a busy venue located in the Baga-Arpora area.
Initially, authorities suspected that a cylinder blast might have caused the blaze. However, further investigations have shifted the focus toward the possibility that indoor pyrotechnics ignited the fire, a theory also reported by the BBC.
At the time of the incident, the nightclub was hosting a late-night event, which quickly turned chaotic as flames spread rapidly through the packed venue. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic as many staff members found themselves trapped inside. Firefighters faced significant challenges in reaching the main structure due to a narrow causeway that spanned a small water body.
Senior officials, including the Director General of Police and teams from the North Goa district administration, arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was reported to coordinate rescue operations. By the early hours of December 7, emergency crews were still sifting through the charred remains of the building.
Authorities indicated that most of the victims succumbed to suffocation, while three individuals suffered fatal burns. Six others were hospitalized but are reported to be in stable condition. Families of the deceased gathered at the site as officials began the identification process.
Among the deceased, the majority were migrant workers from various Indian states, including Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka. Additionally, one worker from Nepal was confirmed to be among the victims, as reported by the BBC.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, four individuals, including the nightclub’s manager, have been arrested. An arrest warrant has also been issued for the club’s owner, who remains unaccounted for.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site and announced a formal inquiry into the incident. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed his condolences, stating, “This is a very painful day for all of us in Goa.” He emphasized that the inquiry would investigate fire-safety compliance and building regulations, asserting that “those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling the fire “deeply saddening” in a social media post.
This tragic event has raised serious concerns about safety regulations in entertainment venues, prompting calls for stricter enforcement to prevent such disasters in the future. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and seeks answers regarding the circumstances that led to this devastating fire.
According to BBC, the investigation is ongoing as officials work to uncover the full details surrounding this tragic incident.