A blaze tore through the well-known nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa early Sunday, claiming the lives of 25 people.
Around 50 others were rushed to Goa Medical College with injuries, according to initial updates from authorities, reports NDTV.
Officials reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation. Among those who lost their lives, four were tourists and 14 were employees of the club.
Efforts are still underway to confirm whether the remaining seven deceased were guests or staff members.
The fire started at approximately 1 am. Police first suspected a kitchen-area cylinder blast might have triggered the incident, but this suspicion was dismissed after inspection. The Goa Director General of Police confirmed that “cylinders were intact during inspection.”
Witness accounts suggest a loud blast was followed by flames rapidly engulfing the structure, giving people inside almost no opportunity to escape.
Emergency responders worked through the night to recover bodies and assist survivors. At the same time, officials are identifying those who died and informing their families.
Authorities said the ongoing investigation will include an assessment of the nightclub’s fire preparedness, gas systems, and emergency exit arrangements to determine whether any rules were violated.
Several fire engines were deployed, and it took nearly two hours of intensive work before firefighters managed to contain the blaze.
The venue has since been sealed, and police are questioning the club’s owners and management. Early findings indicate that the establishment had failed to comply with required fire safety standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared financial support for those affected. The Prime Minister’s Office announced that families of the deceased will be granted Rs. 2 lakh each, while those injured will receive Rs. 50,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
