Eyewitnesses have recounted horrifying details of the war blast at popular restaurant Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa that killed 25 people on Saturday night. The blast occurred around 12:04 am at a night club in Arpora village, around 25 km from the capital Panaji.
The video shows the restaurant engulfed in intense flames. A huge fire spreads across what appears to be an outdoor seating area with metal frames and railings silhouetted against the flames. Thick smoke rises into the dark sky, creating a thick misty cloud over the scene.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and disbelief as the blast rocked the area: “As I was heading home, I heard an explosion. Later we saw ambulances arriving at the scene. When we reached the scene, we saw that the incident had already taken place. I live nearby,” one told local news agency ANI.
Another guard near the gate described the horror after the blast: “…We heard a huge explosion. We later learned that the fire started after a pressure cylinder exploded…”
Fire brigades were deployed to bring the situation under control. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment while authorities worked overnight to stabilize the situation, ANI reported.
The fire was put out and all the bodies were recovered, the police chief added.
Expressing deep grief over the Arpora fire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply sad” and extended his support to the affected families.
In X’s post, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the fire accident in Arpora, Goa. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injuries be healed as soon as possible. He spoke about the situation with Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji. The state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Michael Lobo has called for a safety audit of all clubs in Goa following the Arpora fire that killed 23 people, including three women and 20 men.
