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A devastating fire ripped through the popular Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, leaving 25 people dead and dozens injured in one of the worst nightlife disasters the state has witnessed in years. The blaze broke out shortly after midnight when the club was packed with weekend visitors, tourists, and staff members preparing for a crowded night of entertainment.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as thick smoke filled the venue within minutes, forcing people to scramble for exits that were reportedly too narrow and insufficient for an emergency evacuation. Many victims were trapped in the basement and kitchen areas, where smoke and flames spread rapidly, giving them little chance to escape. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered during a stage performance where firecrackers were allegedly used, causing a sudden ignition that quickly escalated.
The tragedy has sparked serious concerns about safety violations at the nightclub. Authorities revealed that the venue lacked key fire-safety installations and was operating despite earlier demolition notices and disputes over licensing compliance. This has led to public outrage and demands for accountability, as questions arise about how such a venue continued to function in one of Goa’s busiest tourist corridors.
In a swift response, the state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry and suspended multiple senior officials believed to have played a role in granting clearances to the establishment. All 25 victims have been identified, with the majority being club employees, while several were tourists who had come to Goa for leisure.
National leaders, including the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Financial assistance has been announced for the families of those who lost their lives, along with support for those injured in the incident. As the shock reverberates across Goa and the nation, the incident has prompted urgent calls for strict fire-safety audits across entertainment venues. The disaster stands as a grim reminder of the catastrophic consequences of negligence, lack of oversight, and lax safety enforcement in high-density public spaces.
