Devastating Nightclub Fire in Goa Claims 25 Lives, Sparks Outcry Over Safety Lapses

A horrific fire engulfed the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, late Saturday night, December 6, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 individuals. Initial reports from local police, as cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated the blaze was caused by a cylinder blast shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promptly visited the incident site, expressing profound grief over the unprecedented loss of life. He announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident and vowed stringent action against those found responsible, including the club's management and any negligent officials, as reported by PTI on Sunday.

The majority of the victims were identified as staff members, particularly kitchen workers, with three to four tourists also among the deceased, according to Chief Minister Sawant. Investigators probing the tragedy suggested that most victims succumbed to suffocation after becoming trapped in the club's basement area.

While early police statements pointed to a cylinder blast, a senior police officer, speaking anonymously to The Indian Express on Sunday, noted that victim injuries did not conclusively support this cause. Investigators are now exploring alternative possibilities, including whether a pyro sparkle gun ignited flammable material on the roof.

Concerns about safety compliance at the nightclub have emerged, with reports indicating the establishment had previously received demolition notices. The club's narrow entrance and exit points reportedly hampered evacuation efforts, contributing to the high casualty count, according to The Indian Express.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, conveying condolences to the bereaved families. The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, as reported by Mint.

• The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane underscores the persistent issue of building safety in India, where fires are common due to poor construction practices, overcrowding, and lax adherence to regulations, as noted by The Guardian on December 6. Goa, a popular tourist destination, relies heavily on its vibrant nightlife, making such incidents particularly damaging to its image and economy.

• Birch by Romeo Lane, which opened in 2024, had a contentious history, having been issued demolition notices by both the local gram panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority. These notices were reportedly stayed after an appeal, highlighting potential regulatory loopholes that allowed the club to operate despite safety concerns, according to wikipedia.

• Eyewitness accounts, including one from a tourist named Fatima Shaikh to PTI, described a sudden commotion and rapid spread of flames, with the entire structure quickly engulfed. Approximately 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out, and many, including staff and some patrons, became trapped in the basement, which lacked adequate exits.

• The ongoing magisterial inquiry, ordered by Chief Minister Sawant, will meticulously examine the exact cause of the fire and assess compliance with fire safety norms and building regulations. Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed that investigators are checking for requisite fire safety No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and will hold all responsible parties accountable.

• Out of the 25 fatalities, police confirmed that four were tourists and 14 were staff members, with the identities of seven victims yet to be established. Six individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, with officials reporting their condition as stable, according to The Indian Express on Sunday.

• This incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive fire safety audit of all clubs in Goa by BJP MLA Michael Lobo, as reported by The Hindu on December 7. The tragedy echoes previous fatal fires in India, such as those in Hyderabad and Kolkata earlier in 2025, and an amusement park fire in Gujarat in 2024, underscoring systemic issues with safety standards.

• Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against the owner and general manager of the nightclub, and arrests are anticipated. The state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected, and emergency helpline numbers have been issued by the North Goa Office of the Collector to facilitate public grievance redressal.