A tragic fire at the popular “Birch by Romeo Lane” nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora has left 25 people dead — the deadliest nightlife disaster in the state’s recent history.
According to the latest technical fire-safety report and government investigations, a combination of illegal construction, flouting fire-safety norms, and dangerous on-site practices turned a night of celebration into a horrifying inferno.
What the probe reveals — five shocking truths behind the tragedy
Fireworks + flammable interiors = disaster: Preliminary observations suggest that fireworks were being used outside the club’s facade when the fire broke out.
Inside, the club was lined with combustible wooden panels, plastic décor, and other highly flammable furnishings — a dangerous combination that allowed the fire to spread almost instantly.
Possible short-circuit above the stage: Investigators found that electrical systems located above the main stage likely short-circuited.
Coupled with the heavy fuel load and flammable interiors, the spark triggered a rapid blaze — and the smoke quickly poured into the basement.
Victims suffocated in basement due to poor escape routes: Reports confirm that most of the 25 victims succumbed not to fire but to toxic smoke and oxygen-deficient conditions.
The basement was reportedly unventilated and had blocked or insufficient escape routes — turning it into a deadly trap.
No fire-safety NOC and illegal construction history: The club reportedly lacked a valid fire-safety No Objection Certificate (NOC), indicating serious non-compliance with mandatory norms.
Locals also alleged that the club was built on unauthorised land without a proper construction licence — issues repeatedly raised by the village panchayat.
Demolition order stayed; club allowed to operate: In April 2024, the Arpora–Nagoa village panchayat had declared the construction illegal and issued a demolition notice — but the order was stayed by the higher authorities.
This allowed the club to continue operations despite known safety and structural concerns.
Police have already arrested a fifth accused — a man named “Bharat” — and investigations are ongoing.
Three senior government officials have been suspended in the wake of the tragedy, as public outrage mounts over regulatory failures.
Governments at both state and national levels have announced compensation:
Goa’s Chief Minister has promised ₹5 lakh for each deceased victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured, while the central government (through PM-NRF) pledged ₹2 lakh per victim.
Authorities have ordered a full fire-safety audit across all nightclubs, bars, and entertainment venues in the state — hoping to prevent further tragedies.
The Arpora nightclub fire stands as a grim reminder: when safety regulations are ignored and illegal structures are allowed to operate, the consequences can be catastrophic.
The deaths of 25 people — many of them young staffers and unsuspecting tourists — demand justice, accountability, and sweeping reforms in how public entertainment venues are regulated and monitored.
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