25 Dead in Massive Fire at Goa Nightclub; Tourists, Staff Among Victims

A massive fire, suspected to have been triggered by exploding LPG cylinders, tore through Birch by Romeo Lane — a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa — killing 25 people in the early hours of Sunday.

Most of the victims were staff members working in the basement, leaving them little time to escape as the blaze rapidly engulfed the structure, which police said was built with highly combustible material. Three people are believed to have died from burn injuries sustained during the explosion, while the others succumbed to smoke inhalation. The dead include three women, and the identities of seven victims remain unknown. Six others are injured and undergoing treatment.

“A massive fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane… resulting in 25 deaths, out of whom 4 are confirmed tourists, 14 were staff members, and 7 are yet to be identified,” Goa Police said in a statement, adding that investigations by the police and fire department are underway and legal action has been initiated.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site late Saturday night, described the incident as “a very painful day for all of us in Goa” and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He promised strict action, saying an inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building regulations were violated.

“Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” Sawant said on X.

Local MLA Michael Lobo called the tragedy “very sad and disturbing,” adding that Goa must undertake a comprehensive safety audit of clubs and restaurants, especially air-conditioned establishments.

Sawant said preliminary findings showed the fire began on the ground floor, trapping workers in the basement who died of suffocation. He also revealed that the nightclub had been operating without several mandatory permissions.

Birch by Romeo Lane had been built on a former saltpan and was previously issued a demolition notice by the local panchayat and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority. However, the order was stayed on appeal by the Directorate of Panchayats, allowing the club to continue functioning.

Police said identification of the deceased is ongoing.