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New Delhi: At least 25 people died after a massive fire tore through a nightclub in North Goa on Saturday night. Preliminary investigations reveal that most of the deceased were staff members of the club. It has also been found that only three victims died of burn injuries, while the majority succumbed to suffocation. Following this, the general manager of the club have been arrested.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred around midnight, a time when the club is usually crowded. One of the security guards revealed that a DJ and a dancer were scheduled to arrive at the venue as well.
The blaze erupted around 11:45 pm in the basement of the club. It then gradually spread to the first floor, which housed the bar and restaurant.
Earlier, police concluded that the fire was triggered by a gas cylinder leak. However, the nature of injuries suggests that there may be an additional or unknown cause behind the tragic incident. Goa Police also stated that they are verifying whether the club had complied with fire-safety norms and possessed the requisite NOC.
A second theory suggests that the fire may have been caused by a pyro sparkle gun, a handheld device used at parties and events to produce a cool-to-touch sparkler effect. Investigators suspect that sparks from the device may have come into contact with flammable material on the ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Reacting to the tragedy, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the deceased included the club’s kitchen staff, among them three women. He added that 3 to 4 tourists were also reportedly among those killed.
The Chief Minister rushed to the spot soon after receiving news of the incident. Speaking to reporters, Sawant said that out of the 23 identified victims, three died due to burn injuries while the others succumbed to suffocation. He added that initial information indicated the nightclub had failed to comply with mandatory fire-safety norms.
He warned that those “found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
The CM also mentioned that an arrest warrant has also been issued against the owner of the club, the Birch By Romeo Lane.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the tragic fire and assured all possible assistance to the affected families. His office announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Sharing a post on X, PM Modi said, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening.” He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and assured that the state government is providing all necessary support.
