23 dead in North Goa nightclub fire, cylinder blast suspected; probe ordered

Panaji: A devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa claimed at least 23 lives after midnight on Saturday, authorities said. The blaze, reportedly triggered by a cylinder explosion, tore through Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora during peak tourist season, leaving the state in shock.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that most of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women, while “three to four tourists” were also among the dead. He said three people died of burn injuries, while the remaining victims succumbed to suffocation.

Sawant, who inspected the site soon after the incident, said preliminary findings suggest the nightclub had failed to comply with mandatory fire safety norms. “Strict action will be taken against the club management and officials who permitted its operation despite violations,” he said, adding that a detailed investigation has been ordered.

The fire erupted shortly after midnight at the year-old venue located about 25 km from Panaji. Firefighters and police personnel worked through the night to retrieve bodies and control the blaze.

Goa director general of police Alok Kumar said the fire stemmed from a cylinder blast. Local MLA Michael Lobo confirmed that all 23 bodies had been recovered and shifted to the government medical college in Bambolim. He added that a comprehensive fire safety audit of all clubs in the area will be carried out.

The Calangute panchayat will issue notices to nightclubs on Monday demanding proof of fire safety clearances. Licences of establishments found without valid permissions will be cancelled, officials said.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reached out to Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant following the nightclub fire in Arpora that left 23 people dead.

In a post on X, Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, saying, “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.”

He added that he had spoken to chief minister Sawant to assess the situation and said the state government was extending all necessary support to those affected.

The Prime Minister’s Office later announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of those who died in the incident, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.

(with inputs from agencies)