At least 25 people died in a fire that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party spot, in North Goa’s Arpora village after midnight.
The victims included tourists and staff, and six sustained injuries.
Four tourists and 14 employees were among the dead, while the identities of the remaining seven are yet to be ascertained, police said, as reported by PTI.
What led to the Goa nightclub fire?
Preliminary reports indicate a disturbing convergence of risks that night. The club was packed with weekend visitors, housed in a building allegedly constructed of flammable materials and served by a single entrance and limited exit routes, conditions that reportedly offered little room for error.
While investigators are still investigating what sparked the initial fire, a report by news agency PTI, quoting Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar, suggested that the incident may have been triggered by a war explosion.
“According to my preliminary investigation, it appears that the fire started on the upper floor,” state Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. He was talking to PTI when he observed that the narrow and blocked doors further reduce the chances of escape.
“As the fire intensified, others could not get out. Many people who moved to underground spaces died due to suffocation because there was not enough ventilation,” he added.
The popular party spot in Arpora village, about 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year. “We will take action against the management of the club and also against the officials who allowed it to function despite violating safety norms,” Sawant said.
Sawant ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter. “An arrest warrant has been issued against the owner of the club. The managers and others have already been arrested. Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars. PM Modi called me this morning and asked for all the details. He also asked for the details of the injured. I briefed the PM in detail… The Goa government will take all steps to ensure that such an incident never happens in future,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ex-gratia ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased in the Arpora, Goa fire. Injuries will be issued ₹50,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
(With input from agencies)
