Digital Goa, Dec 7 – Goa was struck by one of the biggest tragedies in recent times last night. Twenty-three persons lost their lives in a major fire at a club in Arpora — Birch by Romio Lane. According to initial reports, three died due to burn injuries, while the remaining deaths were caused by suffocation from the smoke. Most of the victims were club staff, including three women.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the tragedy site in Arpora, Bardez, and ordered an inquiry into the incident. The probe will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building regulations were followed. Those found responsible will face the strictest action under the law, and any negligence will be dealt with firmly.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but a cylinder blast is suspected to have triggered it. The fire spread rapidly as the structure was made of combustible materials. This has raised serious concerns about the safety and fire preparedness of clubs in the state ahead of the festive season.
The blaze was brought under control by the Fire and Emergency Services. There was an unprecedented scene outside the morgue at the Goa Medical College, where ambulances were lined up with the bodies of the victims. The process of identifying the bodies is underway, but authorities are facing difficulties due to their condition.
Stayed Demolition Order Allowed Arpora Club to Operate Despite Violations
Digital Goa, Dec 7 – The Arpora Panchayat had issued a demolition order to the controversial club, Birch by Romio Lane, for violating various permissions. According to the Sarpanch of Arpora Panchayat, the demolition order issued by the panchayat was stayed by higher authorities. There was an ongoing dispute between the landowner and the club promoter, and a complaint had been filed stating that the club was operating without valid licences. After verifying the documents, the panchayat issued the demolition order to the club. However, due to the stay, the club continued to operate, ultimately leading to this massive tragedy.
🔸 Goa Police confirm 25 deaths in Arpora club fire; fire began on dance floor, say eyewitnesses
Digital Goa, Dec 7 – Goa Police have confirmed that 25 people lost their lives in the catastrophic fire that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa late Saturday night. Among the victims, four have been identified as tourists, while 14 were staff members. The identities of seven others are still being verified due to the charred condition of the bodies. At least six individuals sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. There were allegedly at least 100 people at the club when the fire erupted. According to eyewitness accounts, the fire reportedly began on the dance floor while the club was packed with weekend crowds. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be confirmed, though investigations by Goa Police and the Fire and Emergency Services are underway. Authorities have stated that legal action is being taken and accountability will be fixed once the probe establishes the sequence of events and compliance status. The tragedy has sparked nationwide concern and scrutiny over fire safety preparedness at entertainment venues in Goa, especially during the festive and peak tourist season. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed grief over the incident and assured support to the affected families. The massive fire has been described as one of the worst recorded in the state in recent years, prompting urgent calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
