Tragic Nightclub Fire in Goa Claims 25 Lives
Investigation into Goa Nightclub Fire
Panaji, Dec 8: An initial investigation into the catastrophic fire at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa suggests that the blaze was ignited by 'electric firecrackers' set off inside the venue, resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 individuals, as reported by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The incident occurred in Arpora, North Goa, where the nightclub was filled with patrons enjoying their weekend when a massive fire broke out around midnight on Sunday. Authorities indicated that the establishment reportedly did not possess a fire department NOC and had violated safety regulations.
Among the deceased, 20 were employees hailing from various states including Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with four nationals from Nepal. Additionally, five tourists lost their lives, and at least six others sustained injuries.
Chief Minister Sawant noted that the majority of fatalities were due to suffocation, as many individuals were trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen area. The narrow access roads and limited exits significantly hampered evacuation efforts and firefighting operations. Water tankers were stationed approximately 400 meters away from the scene, complicating the response.
Authorities have arrested several key personnel, including the club's chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. An FIR has been filed against the owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as well as the event organizers.
In addition, three government officials — former Director of Panchayat Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, ex-Member Secretary of the Goa Pollution Control Board Dr. Shamila Monteiro, and then-Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar — have been suspended for permitting the nightclub to operate since 2023.
A probe committee, which includes the South Goa Collector, Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Director of Forensic Laboratory, has been established to deliver a report within a week.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene where firecrackers exploded during a dance performance, leading to widespread panic. A tourist from Delhi, Riya, recounted, “There was a stampede-like situation,” as people rushed downstairs and became trapped.
The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured, along with arrangements for transporting the bodies back to their home states. Sawant also mentioned that an audit of all clubs lacking proper permits will be conducted to avert similar incidents in the future.