At least 25 people lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out at a restaurant -cum-nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa around midnight. Among the deceased, four are tourists, 14 are staff members, and the identity of the 7 are yet to be confirmed. The incident has triggered large-scale rescue operations and panic. It has also raised serious questions over safety compliance at nightlife venues during the busy tourist season.

Goa nightclub tragedy: What caused the blast?

The fire took place because of a cylinder blast at Birch by Romeo Lane, a famous party venue that has started operations last year. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has rushed to spot, and said that most of those who lost their lives were kitchen workers, including three women. He also mentioned that three to four tourists were also among the victims.

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PM Modi posted his response on social media and called the tragedy deeply saddening. “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

‘A very painful day for Goa’, says CM Pramod Sawant

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant expressed deep grief over the tragedy and stated that a strict probe has been ordered. “Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this honour of unimaginable loss.”

Sawant informed reporters, as cited by PTI, that three people have died because of burn injuries, whereas the remaining victims succumbed to suffocation caused by thick smoke inside the premises. The Chief Minister also mentioned that preliminary information indicates the club failed to follow necessary fire safety norms. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who permitted it to operate despite flouting the safety rules,” he added. He further described the incident as deeply unfortunate for a tourist, which is heavily dependent on tourism.

Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar confirmed to PTI that all 23 bodies were recovered from the premises and have been sent to the Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim. Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo mentioned that the firefighters and police teams worked through the night to rescue victims and secure the area. He also announced that authorities will conduct a detailed fire safety audit of clubs in the region. The Calangute panchayat will issue notices to nightlife establishments and will seek valid fire safety permissions. Clubs that will be found breaching the norms will face licence cancellation, he added further.

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Detailed probe is initiated

ANI also cited Goa DGP Alok Kumar as saying that the police control room received an alert at 12:04 am. After the call, police teams, ambulances were immediately sent to the spot. The fire was later brought under control, and a detailed investigation related to the incident has been initiated. Authorities are also working on providing medical assistance and support to the injured and to the family of the deceased.

Fire centred in the kitchen area, most victims were staff

According to the Indian Express report, the fire was mainly centred in the kitchen area on the ground floor. DGP Alok Kumar told the newspaper that most of the bodies were recovered from the kitchen, indicating that the majority of victims were staff of the club. He also mentioned that two bodies were found on the staircase, suggesting that some victims tried to escape but were caught by the smoke and flames.