- A fire at Birch nightclub in Arpora, Goa killed 25 people and injured six others
- Most deaths were due to suffocation, including 4 tourists and 14 staff members identified so far
- PM Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh aid for victims' families and Rs 50,000 for the injured from PMNRF
A devastating fire ripped through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane late last night in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in the deaths of 25 people.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed that following the fire incident at Arpora, six people have been injured. He assured that these six injured persons are currently in a stable condition and are receiving the highest standard of medical care.
Goa Chief Minister Sawant, speaking exclusively to NDTV, said rescue operations at the nightclub fire site were severely hampered due to narrow and congested lanes. He confirmed that the club manager has been arrested, while an arrest warrant has been issued for the owner. The Chief Minister assured that strict action will be taken and "no guilty person will be spared" as the probe continues.
The officials confirmed that the majority of deaths resulted from suffocation due to smoke. The authorities have confirmed the identities of four tourists and 14 staff members among the victims. The identity of the remaining seven individuals is still being established to determine if they were tourists or employees.
Preliminary investigation into the Goa nightclub fire reveals that the blaze began on the first floor while nearly 100 people were on the dance floor. Eyewitnesses said people rushed downstairs in panic, with several - including women and staff - getting trapped inside the kitchen. Rescue teams said the layout and chaos made evacuation extremely difficult.
The incident occurred around 1 am, with cops initially suspecting that the fire was triggered due to a cylinder blast near the kitchen area. However, it has been ruled out. According to the Goa Director General of Police (DGP), cylinders were intact during inspection.
Officials noted the blast was reportedly so powerful that the flames engulfed the entire building within seconds, leaving little time for those inside to escape.
The bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while official details regarding the number and condition of the injured are still awaited.
Rescue operations continued through the night, and authorities are working to identify the victims and inform families.
The Director General of Police has stated that the probe will also examine the club's safety measures, gas connection systems, and its emergency exit plan to determine whether there were any violations.
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene and, after nearly two hours of intense efforts, the blaze was finally brought under control.
The nightclub has been sealed for now, and questioning of the owners and management is currently underway. As per initial information, the club had not abided by the fire safety norms.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant described the day as "very painful" following the tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora.
Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that he has ordered a full inquiry to determine the exact cause of the blaze, meticulously examining whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed.
Following the fire tragedy in the Goa club, BJP MLA Michael Lobo highlighted that while some victims were tourists, the majority were local workers employed in the restaurant's basement.
He also told reporters that most of the victims died from suffocation after running toward the basement.
President Draupadi Murmu conveyed her sympathy, stating she is "Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives."
She added, "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."
Following the fire tragedy in Arpora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families.
Calling the incident "deeply saddening," the Prime Minister said, "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."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief over the devastating fire accident in Goa, stating that the "tragic loss of lives" was "deeply painful."
Amit Shah also confirmed that the local administration is actively engaged in rescue and relief operations and is focused on providing all necessary care to those affected by the tragedy.
Condemning the Goa nightclub fire tragedy as a "criminal failure of safety and governance," Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has demanded a transparent probe.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation and full accountability following the fire tragedy in Goa.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed his sorrow and offered prayers to the grieving families who lost their near ones in the Goa club fire tragedy. He further extended his wishes for the swift recovery of all those who sustained injuries in the devastating incident.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the Goa fire tragedy.
PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the tragic fire mishap in Arpora.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that the next of kin of each victim will receive Rs. 2 lakh, and the injured individuals will be provided with Rs. 50,000 as relief.
