Tragic Fire in Goa Nightclub Claims 25 Lives, Investigation Underway
Overview of the Incident
A first information report has been filed against the owner and general manager of a nightclub in Goa following a devastating fire that resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals on Saturday, as stated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Chief Minister Sawant announced that a magisterial inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and assign accountability.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the nightclub failed to adhere to fire safety regulations.
The fire broke out around midnight at Birch By Romeo Lane, a club situated near Baga beach, a well-known tourist destination.
Among the deceased were 14 staff members and four tourists, while the identities of seven victims remain unconfirmed. Additionally, six individuals sustained injuries.
Details Surrounding the Fire
#WATCH | Goa | Aftermath of the fire that broke out at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming the lives of 23 people. pic.twitter.com/v6qleY5WJX
— News Media (@NewsMedia) December 7, 2025
Key Points Regarding the Fire:
- Initially, police suggested that a cylinder explosion caused the fire, but eyewitnesses reported that it started on the first floor where many tourists were dancing.
- Goa's Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, stated that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities looking into the possibility of a pyro sparkle gun being involved.
- Witnesses indicated that the fire ignited after fireworks were set off during a belly dance performance, which struck flammable decorations, leading to a rapid escalation of flames.
- One eyewitness described the chaos, stating, “It went completely dark, there was a lot of smoke, people were trying to navigate their way out… I heard some explosions.”
- Calangute MLA Michael Lobo announced a safety audit for all clubs in Goa and indicated that notices would be sent to nightclubs requiring fire safety permits.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
- Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, criticized the incident as a severe failure of safety measures and governance, calling for a thorough investigation.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the call for a detailed inquiry, labeling the incident as an irreparable loss.
- Aam Aadmi Party’s Goa president, Amit Palekar, accused the state government of negligence regarding illegal operations and extortion, suggesting that the tragedy could have been prevented.
- The North Goa collector has released emergency helpline numbers to assist with coordination and public support.
Fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming 25 lives | Office of the Collector, North Goa issues emergency numbers in order to ensure effective monitoring, incident response and public grievance redressal. pic.twitter.com/YERGVRhthG
— News Media (@NewsMedia) December 7, 2025