At least 25 people lost their lives in a tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, which police suspect may have been triggered by a cylinder blast. The incident occurred during the night between Saturday and Sunday. In response, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the incident.
The nightclub, located in Arpora village near Baga Beach around 25 km from Panaji, the state capital caught fire shortly after midnight. An FIR has been registered for culpable homicide, and the authorities have taken action against the club’s management.
CM Pramod Sawant Orders Action in Goa Club Fire
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against the owners of the nightclub, while the manager has already been arrested. Speaking to the media, he said, “An arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners. Managers and others have already been arrested. Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars.”
He added that he was closely monitoring the aftermath of the fire, which killed 25 people and injured six others. “All the injured are in stable condition and are receiving the best medical care,” Sawant said. He also reiterated that a magisterial inquiry had been ordered to determine the cause and assign responsibility.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant tweets, “I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have… pic.twitter.com/yzp30aQ0EQ
— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, was an unfortunate incident and unprecedented in the state’s tourism history. He said he reached the site around 1:30–2 a.m., accompanied by local MLA Michael Lobo, and that all officers were present. According to Sawant, the fire was brought under control within half an hour, but while some people managed to escape, others could not, leading to deaths by suffocation. He added that, based on preliminary information, four of the deceased were tourists and the rest were club employees. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and said the government would provide compensation.
He further mentioned that the six people hospitalized were receiving the best medical treatment at Goa Medical College, and he had personally spoken with the Dean. Sawant said a magisterial inquiry had been ordered to examine the permissions obtained by the club, who granted them, and whether fire safety and building construction norms were followed. He noted that arrest warrants had been issued against the club owners, and managers and others had already been arrested, adding that those found guilty would be punished.
Sawant also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him to inquire about the incident and the condition of the injured, and that he had provided full details. He assured that the Goa government would take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
#WATCH | On fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming 25 lives, Goa CM Pramod Sawant says, “This is an unfortunate day. For the first time in Goa’s tourism history, such a big incident of fire has occurred. 25 people died…I reached the spot at 1.30-2 am, local MLA… pic.twitter.com/ABAqCDcXAB
— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025
Eyewitness Describes Goa Club Fire Chaos
An eyewitness to the fire recalled how the flames erupted suddenly on the dance floor, where roughly 100 people were present. Panic spread immediately, and many tried to escape. Some guests ran downstairs toward the kitchen area but became trapped along with the staff as thick smoke and fire quickly filled the space.
“People were desperate to get out, but visibility dropped within seconds,” the witness said, adding that the chaos made it extremely difficult for anyone to find a way to safety.
Death Toll and Injuries in Goa Club Fire Incident
According to Goa Police, “25 people died in the fire, out of whom four are confirmed tourists, 14 were staff members, and the identity of seven is yet to be established. Six persons are injured, and their treatment is ongoing. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Police and fire department investigations are in progress. Legal action is being taken.”
Tourist Recounts Terrifying Moments of Goa Club Fire Incident
Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, shared her harrowing experience during the fire. She told PTI, “There was sudden commotion as the flames started erupting,” prompting everyone to rush out in panic. By the time she reached outside, “the entire structure was up in flames,” leaving very little time for those inside to react.
Delayed Rescue Efforts Make Goa Club Fire Even More Harrowing
Birch by Romeo Lane is located near the Arpora River backwaters and is accessible only through narrow lanes. Though promoted as an “island club,” its restricted entry and exit routes posed a significant obstacle during the emergency. Fire engines had to be stationed nearly 400 meters away, slowing the firefighting efforts.
A senior fire officer told PTI that the limited access delayed intervention. By the time the fire teams could reach the building, smoke had already filled most of the space. Many victims died from suffocation as they were trapped inside, unable to navigate the cramped escape routes.
Safety Standards Under Scrutiny After Goa Club Fire Incident
Eyewitness accounts and the structural limitations of the club have raised serious questions about the safety measures in place. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and whether the nightclub followed proper safety protocols.
Also Read: Goa Club Fire: PM Modi Condoles Victims as Video Shows Massive Blaze Killing 25 | Watch
