Most victims suffocated in windowless basement kitchen with no second exit, prompting CM to order immediate statewide fire-safety audits of all clubs and arrest of owners.
New Delhi: A major fire caused by a gas cylinder explosion at a nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora village early Sunday claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members, officials confirmed. Most victims died due to suffocation, as the blaze quickly filled the basement kitchen where many people got trapped.
The fire started shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub located around 25 km from Panaji near the busy Arpora–Baga area, known for its nightlife. According to early investigations, a gas cylinder in the kitchen or basement exploded, and the flames spread rapidly to the dance floor. Poor ventilation and temporary decorations made of dry palm leaves worsened the situation.
The club reportedly had 100–150 people inside during a DJ event when the incident happened.
Victims and Injuries
Among the 25 dead, authorities believe that four were tourists. Fourteen victims worked in the kitchen, including three women. Many came from different parts of India and Nepal. Officials are still confirming the identities of seven people.
Six people were injured and are being treated in local hospitals.
Eyewitness Accounts
People who were inside or near the club described scenes of panic:
• Sanjay Kumar Gupta, a security guard, said the fire began suddenly around midnight.
• Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said that flames had already engulfed the entire structure when people rushed out.
• A nearby restaurant guard said he heard a “massive explosion” before the fire spread.
Relatives of victims gathered at hospitals through the night. One man, Nandlal Nag, whose nephew worked at the club, said his nephew died instantly due to the blast.
Rescue Efforts
Firefighters worked for several hours to control the blaze. Narrow lanes slowed down the movement of fire trucks, which had to park almost 400 meters away.
Police escorted the bodies to Goa Medical College for post-mortem examinations. Authorities have sealed the entire site for investigation.
Government Action and Reaction
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early in the morning. He blamed the incident on ‘negligence’ and promised to take strict action against those responsible.
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 ordered a magisterial inquiry…
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 7, 2025
Sawant said the club operated without valid permissions and earlier received a demolition notice, which authorities put on hold. The government ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced that officials will conduct compulsory fire safety checks at all nightclubs in the area starting Monday.
Police filed an FIR against the nightclub’s owner and general manager and issued arrest warrants.
National Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for each deceased person’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed their condolences, calling the incident extremely painful.
Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 7, 2025
Also Read: Dr. K. A. Paul Criticizes Telangana Government’s Invitation to Tony Blair for Hyderabad Summit
Impact on Goa’s Tourism
The tragedy comes during Goa’s peak tourist season. The state attracts millions of visitors every year for its beaches, music events and nightlife. Workers from across India and Nepal are employed in the clubs and restaurants in the Arpora–Baga stretch.
A chef from a nearby club said many workers he knew were inside the nightclub at the time, and he has been unable to reach them.
As families wait for identification of victims, the government has promised strict action and safety reforms.
Chief Minister Sawant said, “This is a very unfortunate incident for a tourism state like Goa,” adding that such tragedies must be prevented in the future.
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