PANAJI, 7 December (H.S.):

At least 23 people were killed in a devastating fire that broke out shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Goa’s Arpora-Baga area. Preliminary investigations suggest that a cylinder explosion may have triggered the blaze, which tore through the club in the early hours of Sunday.

According to police officials, the fire erupted around 12:04 a.m. while several employees were working inside the kitchen area. Most of the victims are believed to be staff members trapped when the flames engulfed the ground floor.

“Maximum bodies were retrieved from the kitchen area, suggesting the victims were employed at the club. Two bodies were found on the staircase,” said Goa DGP Alok Kumar.

Multiple fire tenders and rescue teams rushed to the scene as the blaze spread rapidly through the premises. The fire has since been brought under control, with all bodies recovered. Search and evacuation operations continued until dawn.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the casualties and announced an official inquiry into the incident. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic Arpora fire. My prayers are with the bereaved families,” Sawant posted on X.

Goa, one of India’s most frequented tourist states, witnessed over 5.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, according to government data — including nearly 271,000 international tourists. The tragedy at one of the state’s most popular beachside party hubs has cast a pall over the holiday season and sparked calls for stricter fire safety measures in entertainment establishments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar