The devastating fire that killed 25 people, including four tourists, at a nightclub in North Goa's Arpora started on the first floor of the building, preliminary investigation has suggested.
The victims could not move out due to congestion and small doors, while some of them rushed to the kitchen area in the basement and got trapped there. Most victims died of suffocation as there were no exit doors or proper ventilation.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the nightclub—Birch by Romeo Lane—had not complied with the fire safety norms. Strict action would be taken against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate, he said.
#WATCH | Goa | 23 people died after a fire broke out at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora.
(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/HFrDlQeVNe
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2025
According to media reports, between 100 and 150 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out between 11 pm and 12 am.
The deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members. The identity of seven people is yet to be ascertained.
Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar said the nightclub had been served a demolition notice earlier after authorities found violations of rules in its construction. The directorate of panchayats, however, later granted a stay, he added.
#WATCH | Goa | Aftermath of the fire that broke out at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming the lives of 23 people. pic.twitter.com/v6qleY5WJX
— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025
The lack of proper access also heightened the intensity of the tragedy. The club, which is situated along the Arpora backwaters, around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, was accessible only through a narrow lane, and the fire tankers had to be parked almost 400 metres away.
Sawant said an FIR has been lodged against the owner and the general manager of the nightclub and they would be arrested. He noted that this is the first time that such an incident has happened in Goa. |
